Artists with disabilities express themselves through art
Edmonton's Chrysalis Society showcased the talent of more than 30 artists with disabilities on Friday.
The society works with people who have disabilities by offering training, as well as job and volunteer opportunities. Friday's art show stemmed from a program that teaches clients to express themselves using paint, clay, and photography.
Alanda Fox said her daughter Morgan hasn't stopped painting or drawing since joining the art program eight years ago.
"I'm so proud of her, I really am," Fox said. "When they started working with Morgan on different paintings and drawings, she surprised us. We did not know Morgan had this creativity bug. We had no idea."
One of Morgan's paintings sold for $500 at last year's Chrysalis art show. This year, the starting bid of a piece called Northern Lights was $325 in the art show's silent auction.
Fox says she wants people to see past her daughter's disability and recognize her artistic talent.
"I just want people to know Morgan's an artist, and a very good artist. She may have disabilities, but she's an artist."
Art specialists coach Chrysalis' clients in various art techniques, but Wesdyne Otto said it's important to give all artists freedom of expression.
"People with disabilities sometimes are limited into what choices they might have," she said. "This is their chance to roar, and they're roaring in these amazing colours."
Amber Koehler says the art program helps her cope with depression and bipolar disorder. She channels her paintbrush strokes into Japanese animé and Disney characters.
"It helps me get away from all the problems in my life," Koehler said. "I don't know where I'd be if I wasn't here. I'd be very, very sad."
Artists took 70 per cent of the cut of profits from the silent auction, while the remaining money went back into programs at the Chrysalis Society.
