Open Door Gallery

Green Light: A Juried Exhibition of Emerging Artists with Disabilities

April 22 - June 20, 2011

Opening Reception:
May 24, 2011 4 - 6 pm
ASL Interpreted

This exhibit is the last stop of a national tour which debuted at the Smithsonian Institution, September 2008. Our home office in Washington DC partnered with Volkswagon Group of America to recognize and showcase emerging artists with disabilities, ages 16 - 25, who are living in the United States. More than 20,000 calls for entry were sent to high schools and colleges around the country inviting submissions that illustrated the theme "Green Light". Participants were asked to consider the motivations behind their work and the infinite possibilities that creativity provides. Artists were also encourages to contemplate the relationship between life, art, and disability. Selected from 164 submissions, 15 recipients were awarded a total of $60,000 generously provided by Volkswagen. The awards help support the artists at a critical time when many are deciding whether to pursue the arts as a career.

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