Open Door Gallery

Up the Ladder - Gateway Arts

May 26 - August 5, 2015

Artist Reception:
June 25, 2015, 4pm to 7pm

A group exhibition of artists who have participated in the "Up The Ladder" program at Gateway Arts. Through grants and private donations, over the past two years these artists have received individualized coaching and mentoring from visiting artists and other art professionals. The goal has been to develop significant work for their portfolios; and create support materials such as bios, resumes and artist statements. These artists have been successful at showing and selling their work and becoming part of the mainstream art world, through exhibitions in galleries, museums, on our website and social media.

Since 1973 Gateway Arts, the preeminent studio art center on the East Coast for people with disabilities, has given individuals the opportunity to work in a professional studio setting and the ability to show and sell their work in a fine art gallery and store. Gateway's mission is to provide individualized, arts-based services to adults with disabilities that will enable them to create meaningful lives and careers in art.

The Gateway Studios offer a professional art atmosphere to over 100 artists with developmental and psychiatric disabilities as well as individuals with head injuries, visual impairments and autism spectrum disorders. Artists work in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics, collage, sculpture, jewelry, fiber arts and weaving. The studios are supervised by a staff of professional artists who mentor the artists and facilitate their artwork.

The Gateway Gallery mounts six exhibitions per year and provides its artists with representation in the art world. Gateway works with gallerists and curators to create outside exhibitions nationally and internationally. Gateway artists' works are represented in collections across the country and around the world.

The Gateway Store is a street level retail venue where Gateway artists sell their work on a consignment basis, receiving 50% of the selling price. Artists also receive design fees when products are created from their artwork. Artists' work can also be purchased in the online store.

For more information about Gateway Arts, to learn about the individual artists, or to purchase any of the artwork visit gatewayarts.org.

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