Exhibit celebrates artists of all abilities

(by Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor - October 10, 2012)

“Friendly Forest Trio” (acrylic and marker)
By Randall Perkins of Grandview Heights

Artist bio: “Randall Perkins is full of contradictions. Simultaneously salty and sweet, he can often be heard telling everyone around him to ‘Behave!’ while acting the part of the class clown. Growing up in a family of 16 children in the hills of West Virginia no doubt helped to shape his dynamic personality. Randall brings a smile to people’s faces, both through his character and his art. His illustrations of fun critters come to life when he is given a pad of paper. These drawings have inspired countless paintings. Besides creating, Randall’s favorite activities include watching ‘the ball game’ and going out to eat.”

“The Lighthouse” (mixed media)
By Jane Brenneman of Toledo

Artist bio: “I was born with a tumor in my left eye, which eventually took my vision to mere shadows. At the age of 17, I was in an auto accident that resulted in further damage to my sight, along with severe facial scars and traumatic brain injury from which I had trouble remembering and speaking. Art has always been a part of my life, and even more so after my accident. I used art in my recovery to communicate with others and to give me something to do since I wasn’t able to go anywhere. I continue to use my art today as an art and special education teacher to allow my students to create new projects.”

Through Oct. 31, the activity center at MATCO Services in London is serving as a gallery for 21 pieces from Accessible Expressions Ohio.

The statewide touring exhibit features artwork by individuals of all ages who have disabilities. Photography, paintings, pottery, sculpture and mixed-media are on display. Exhibit hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free.

An open house set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 will include refreshments and live music by MATCO consumer Donnie McGhee. MATCO’s art trailer also will be open, showcasing works by members of the local Sky High Arts program, including Randy Mayabb whose “Wind and Water” acrylic is featured on the Toledo leg of the Accessible Expressions tour.

“It’s exciting to be part of a larger community of artists,” said Sky High Arts director Alice Kennedy on MATCO’s part in hosting the exhibit. “It’s great being able to share what we do in Madison County but also experience what others are doing.”

Harry Croghan, a London artist, encourages the public to visit the exhibit and open house for a chance to realize what he has as a volunteer with the Sky High Arts program.

“The consumers here at MATCO have helped to redefine art for me,” he said. “I envy their spontaneity and directness. I now see art as not the end product, but the process,” he said.

Accessible Expressions Ohio is presented by VSA Ohio, the state organization on arts and disability. The show is adjudicated, and first-, second- and third-place winners are named in each category. Three winners are among the artists featured in the grouping on display in London. Many of the show’s pieces are available for purchase.

MATCO Services is located at 204 Maple St. in London. For more information, call (740) 852-7054.

Call for entries
VSA Ohio is already looking forward to the 2013 Accessible Expressions Ohio exhibit and putting a call out for entries. The deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 7. Send questions to mgreen@vsao.org or call (614) 241-5325. Complete information is available at www.vsao.org/programs/aeo.

Entry guidelines are as follows:

• All work must be original.

• Artists may submit up to two pieces of art created within the past year.• Original artwork must be smaller than 33 inches in any direction with frame.

• Applicants must be Ohio residents.

• Applicants must have a disability, which is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities of an individual.

• Entries should be photographs of the original artwork.

• Adjudicators review the photos to determine which artwork will be featured.

• Artists are notified of their acceptance then asked to submit original artwork in January 2013.

“Ichigo” (acrylic)
By Patrick Delgadillo of Johnstown
* People’s Choice winner

Artist bio: “I love art because it helps me develop my skills and ability to become a video game designer and hopefully make my own video games.” Patrick is a student at Johnstown-Monroe High School.

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