Open Door Gallery

"Detour" - VSA Emerging Young Artists Program 2018

December 3, 2018 - February 6, 2019

Reception January 9, 2019 from 5-7pm including artist talk with photographer Tyler Williams

Detour is the 17th exhibition presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of the VSA Emerging Young Artists Program. The result of a longtime collaboration with Volkswagen Group of America, this national art competition and exhibition gives fifteen artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, the opportunity to display their work in venues across the country where each artist's individual talent, mode of expression, and view of the world is showcased and valued. With this traveling exhibition we aim to give visibility to the work of artists with disabilities throughout the United States, broadening our understanding of disability and the arts.

The theme of this exhibition was inspired by the notion that with a detour, the destination remains the same but the journey to reach it can be full of wonder and discovery. These artists have embraced life's detours, and their works take us on surprising forays off the beaten path. The artwork seen here explores themes of material transformation, storytelling, and identity. Whether navigating the twists and turns of an inner landscape, or expanding upon quiet moments of pause and reflection found in everyday life, these artists make visible what is often overlooked, and delve into the unexplored.

Artists:
Tyler Williams, Grand Prize Award
Hannah Werchan, First Prize Winner
Yasmine C. Iskander, Second Prize Winner

Awards of Excellence:
Coco Allred
Xichao (Carol) Cao
Chance DeVille
Joshua Dixon
Thomas Haley
Kip Henderson
Kat Katz
Sarah McDaniel
Kyah Probst
Leonafire (Alejandra Suarez)
Oaklee Thiele
Jade Warner

Learn more about the artists by visiting VSA International.

Detour is presented by VSA, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with generous support from Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

The Open Door Gallery promotes the work of artists with disabilities and shifts our community's perceptions of ability while enjoying quality art.

Open Door Gallery - Boston hours are:
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