PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Inclusion is at the heart of Community Access to the Arts, and this year's annual art show showcases that commitment through a diverse mixed-media exhibition featuring interactive elements that make the experience engaging and accessible for visitors of all abilities.

 

The annual "I Am a Part of Art" exhibit is the organization's biggest exhibit of the year, this year featuring over 300 works of art by 250 artists with disabilities, spanning the Lichtenstein Center and Clark Art Institute, said Chris Watford, CATA communications director. 

 

"This gallery right now is CATA's mission in action, and I hope that you see each piece as a window into each artist's perspective and an invitation to step into our CATA world," Executive Director Margaret Keller said.

 

On Thursday, the nonprofit kicked off the exhibition with an opening celebration at the center, where joy and pride were evident as community members smiled, admired the artwork and celebrated the artists behind it.

 

"How amazing it is to stand in the middle of this room and witness the radiance and the beauty of these perspectives, and to take in all of this individuality and talent. Every artist needs an audience, and all of you here today are so important to our ongoing work," Keller said.

 

Last year, CATA started using the Bloomberg Connects app, which not only showcases the artworks but also provides viewers with behind-the-scenes insights, allowing them to learn more about the exhibit and hear from the artists through video and audio recordings.

 

"We learned a ton last year and had incredible feedback from the community about how impactful that app was," Watford said.