CATA NEWS Summer 2019

NEWS

Summer 2019

photo: Christina Lane

photo: Christina Lane

YOU BRING community TOGETHER

p Connie Most (BCArc) shares her creativity at CATA’s Annual Art Show— thanks to your support!

An Art Show Unlike Any Other If you’ve never been to a CATA art show, you don’t know what you’re missing.

CATA artist Natasha is putting the finishing touches on a new butterfly painting she’s been working on for weeks. “I feel proud,” she says.

“I’ve been trying to make harder paintings and challenge myself. It’s good to try new things.”

The next time Natasha sees her painting, it’ll be beautifully framed and hanging in an art gallery. On the walls around it will be hundreds of vibrant paintings, drawings, collages and sculptures by CATA artists from across the community. This is CATA’s Annual Art Show, I Am a Part of Art— and it’s all thanks to you!

“An art show unlike any other.

Beautiful, optimistic— pure joy!”

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Ask any CATA insider and they’ll tell you: the best time to see the exhibit is at the opening!

That’s when you’ll see people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities— smiling, meeting each other, and connecting over stunning artwork. It’s a fun and joy-filled celebration you won’t find anywhere else.

CATA’s Annual Art Show only happens because of the innovative arts workshops you bring to hundreds of CATA artists. Students from North Adams who worked together to make incredible collaborative paintings. Teens at the Transitions Program at the Boys and Girls Club who developed new skills in drawing. Adults at BFAIR who channeled their artistry into inventive ceramic sculptures.

For these CATA artists and so many more, you brought creativity to life. Join us for I Am a Part of Art and see your impact first-hand!

photo: Christina Lane

q Julie Raymond (BCArc) sees her painting on display at CATA’s Annual Art Show.

Join us for CATA’s Annual Art Show: I Am a Part of Art Lichtenstein Center for the Arts photo: Christina Lane

28 Renne Avenue, Pittsfield, MA

RECEPTION: July 11 / 5-7pm / FREE EXHIBIT: July 5 - 27, 2019

Clark Art Institute – Lunder Center at Stone Hill 227 South Street, Williamstown, MA

MEET THE ARTISTS: July 23 / FREE Reception: 1-2pm • Art making 2-4pm

EXHIBIT: July 6 - Aug 25, 2019 Sponsored in part by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Berkshire Magazine, Pittsfield Cultural Council, Frames on Wheels, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and supporters like you!

Buy CATA Art and Bring Inclusion Home!

Did we mention that every work of CATA art is available for sale?

When you buy CATA artwork, you provide a commission to the individual artist and support year-round programs for artists with disabilities.

These beautiful pieces sell quickly, so come ready to make your pick! Opening night is an exciting flurry of art lovers vying for their own unique CATA painting, drawing, or collage. Make sure your favorite piece doesn’t go home with someone else! p Peter Daniels (BCArc) shows off his painting at CATA’s Annual Art Show.

t You help CATA artists like Natasha Lorick follow their creative passion. Join us for our Annual Art Show to see her finished butterfly painting!

102 and ready to paint!

Your support reveals talents that might have remained hidden.

CATA artist Ruthie wheels up to the canvas with a big smile. Yesterday was her 102nd birthday, and she’s ready to start a new painting.

With the help of a laser pointer and the aid of a trained “tracker”—a person who acts as the artist’s hands— Ruthie and dozens of other artists are able to create stunning works of art through Artistic Realization Technologies.

Developed by artist Tim Lefens, this innovative technique gives full creative control to people with disabilities who are not able to hold or manipulate a paintbrush.

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“A.R.T. offers a way for artists like Ruthie to communicate something that would otherwise go unsaid or unknown,” says Stefanie Weber, a CATA Faculty Artist who serves as Ruthie’s tracker.

After working with Stefanie for the past year, Ruthie has found a unique style that’s all her own.

“Do you want a big brush or a little brush?” asks Stefanie. She holds out a handful of brushes and Ruthie takes her time feeling each one. After she chooses, Ruthie uses a color wheel to show Stefanie exactly which shade she wants to use.

t Ruthie Weidenbaum (Coarc) shows off her latest painting, held by her tracker Stefanie Weber. Your support gives Ruthie an opportunity to share her creative spirit.

“How’s this?” Stefanie asks, mixing the paint together. Ruthie smiles, “Yeah!”

With a laser pointer around her wrist, Ruthie shows Stefanie where to put the brush on the canvas. She moves the laser up and over, then into the corner, revealing a bright stroke of blue paint. Although she only started making art at age 100, she’s already finished twelve gorgeous paintings— and sold three at CATA art exhibits!

Before workshops started up again this year, Ruthie “couldn’t wait to get back to work.”

Thanks to your support, she’s celebrating her 102nd birthday with a fresh canvas and a big creative spark!

As a program requiring one-on-one support, A.R.T. is one of CATA’s most expensive to deliver.

We rely on generous contributions from supporters like you to sustain this work.

Young CATA Artists in the Spotlight... thanks to you!

Through our CATA in the Schools program, you’re helping young CATA artists like Owen explore new techniques in painting, dance, music, yoga, and more.

Now, because of your support, two of Owen’s stunning paintings will be featured in our Annual Art Show at the Clark Art Institute and the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts!

Great news!

p Ruthie uses a laser pointer to show Stefanie where to move the brush on the canvas.

CATA just received a grant from the ABC Fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to engage families of CATA artists in our public art exhibits. That means more people will be able to see the powerful 5 artistry that you’re making possible!

Support CATA and Leave a Legacy of Kindness through a gift in your will CATA donors Heather Wells Heim and Matthew Heim on the value of giving back.

From the moment Heather Wells Heim saw her first CATA performance, she was hooked.

“It was immediate: I was a believer. The whole performance was riveting and artistically satisfying. And just profoundly hopeful.”

After the show, she found a board member and told him she wanted to help. “Whatever CATA needed, I wanted to do it. I was completely in.”

It’s CATA’s dedication to creative opportunity and artistic excellence that makes her proud to be a supporter. “CATA immerses people in the arts 6

who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

You just don’t see this anywhere else— especially with this level of artistic integrity.”

Knowing how meaningful that first performance was for her, Heather encourages people to dive in and see CATA’s work firsthand. “I don’t think people anticipate how transformed they’ll be.

Every time I go to a CATA performance, art exhibit, or poetry reading, I grow spiritually— and emotionally. It’s powerful.”

“By giving, we’re making a statement that these are our values—kindness, inclusion, and the celebration of ability.”

And that’s why Heather and Matthew became CATA donors. “By giving, we’re making a statement that these are our values: kindness, inclusion, and the celebration of ability.”

Thinking back over her many experiences with CATA, Heather is still inspired by one visit to a CATA painting workshop.

“I was so touched by the positivity and generosity the artists gave to me when I was having trouble with my painting. The fact that we try together and grow together— that’s what CATA is about.”

Having seen the impact of their support, the decision to make a gift in their will was an easy one. “Giving to CATA through our will shows what’s important to us. And it strengthens our values.” Now, those values are a part of their legacy.

Join the CATA movement!

Visit CATAarts.org to donate now.

“Giving to CATA through our will shows what’s important to us.”

Be like Heather & Matt: Include CATA in Your Will!

By including CATA in your will, trust, or estate plans, you create a lasting legacy that changes lives for hundreds of people with disabilities in our community.

photo: Christina Lane

Legacy gifts allow CATA to bring creative opportunities to future generations of CATA artists, regardless of their income or financial restrictions.

p Cathy Lemay (BFAIR) performs with The CATA Beat drummers. Your legacy gift ensures that CATA artists will share their talents for years to come.

No matter your age or income, a gift in your will is an easy and powerful way to make a difference.

For information on CATA’s bequest program, email Sarah@CATAarts.org or call us at 413-528-5485.

You’re Bringing Young People into CATA’s Mission After the 6th-grade class at Monument Valley Middle School raised a whopping $700 for CATA programs, we knew we had to work together.

With your support, the students joined our CATA writers for a community interview project, where they learned about each other and created powerful short stories about their shared experiences. Visit our website to read more about the project, which was featured this June in the Berkshire Eagle! t CATA writer Scott Thomas (Leander House) collaborated with 6th-grader Lilabel on a community writing project—thanks to you!

Save The Date!

CATA’s Annual Poetry Reading Returns to The Mount You make it possible for CATA writers to find their voice. Join us for a dynamic celebration of their work at our Annual Poetry Reading at The Mount.

September 4, 2019 – 5:30-7:30pm The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home • Lenox, MA This event is FREE, though RSVP is required.

RSVP to kara@CATAarts.org or call 413-528-5485.

Stephen Shatz, President Emily Rechnitz, Vice President Heather Wells Heim, Vice President Ira Grossman, Treasurer Elaine Radiss, Secretary

Sandra Baron · Kathryn Burdsall Deborah Caiola · Beverly Hosokawa David Hosokawa · Melissa Lydon Neal Maxymillian · Sharon Mozian Rich Petrino · David Rice · Linda Russell Ben Silberstein · John Whalan

40 Railroad Street, Suite 6 · Gt. Barrington, MA 01230 · info@CATAarts.org · 413-528-5485 · CATAarts.org

STAFF

BOARD

photo: Christina Lane

Margaret Keller, Executive Director Dawn Lane, Program & Artistic Director Katie Clarke, Administrative Director Jeff Gagnon, Program Manager Kara Smith, Program Coordinator Bianca Gigli, Program Associate Sarah Carpenter, Development Manager Chris Watford, Communications Coordinator Natalia Bystrianyk, Administrative Coordinator Sandra Newman, Founder