VSA Arts of Rhode Island

Artists with Disabilities Honored at State Event

A reception honoring the artistry of __ Rhode Island artists with disabilities took place on Wednesday, July 20th, at the Atrium Gallery, the state's main administration building in Providence, in celebration of July's 14th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). During the ceremony, a total of __ original works were presented to __ state agencies for prominent display in their buildings.

This presentation, the result of an innovative collaboration between the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, VSA Arts of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, was made possible through Rhode Island's 1% for Public Art Law. The 1% funds resulting from accessibility renovations made to bring state facilities in compliance with the ADA were designated towards purchasing art from artists with disabilities. The artworks to be displayed were chosen by state agencies' representatives during the 2nd Annual Paul V. Sherlock Memorial Art Show, a VSA arts of RI exhibition held last March.