Harford Art Exhibit to Celebrate 20 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

From Harford County government:

“Art Without Boundaries” to be on Display at County Council Gallery

From July 12 through August 31, artists with and without disabilities will demonstrate that art has no boundaries at an exhibit at the Council Gallery on the first floor of 212 South Bond Street in Bel Air. From 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, the public can visit the gallery and share the vision of these talented artists.

“This event demonstrates that art is universal and that artistic talent, creativity, and disability are not mutually exclusive,” said Marc Weinstein, Chair of the Harford County Commission on Disabilities. Some of the art to be displayed was created through an inclusive art program sponsored annually by The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s inclusive recreation program, as well as by the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. Over the past four years the Community Open Air Studio has brought together many artists from Harford County with and without disabilities to paint freely in several outdoor settings. The artists learn from each other, socialize, and enjoy each other’s company all while painting various scenic landmarks around the county.

“Art is an expression of one’s self, and we all have a vision and a story to tell. Without this partnership, stories of several artists would not have been heard,” said Chass Seymour, Inclusive Recreation Coordinator for The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region. The Commission on Disabilities, the Harford County Cultural Arts Board, and The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, will host a reception on Monday, July 26, 2010, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to recognize the work of the artists and to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“While we celebrate the talent of local artists on the anniversary, we’ll also be mindful that the historic passage of the ADA prohibited discrimination based on disability and began our movement toward a fully accessible community,” said Weinstein. “Through projects like “Art without Boundaries” we hope to educate, change attitudes, and eliminate barriers for persons with disabilities in Harford County,” he added. The reception will feature art, music, and light refreshments. The public is invited to attend this free event.

For more information, and to request disability-related accommodations, please contact Sharon Grzanka, Disabilities Coordinator, at 410-638-3373 voice/TTY or disability@harfordcountymd.gov. The Harford County Commission on Disabilities was established in 1995 to serve as the voice of the disability community in Harford County. Members are appointed by the County Executive, with the approval of the County Council. The Harford County Department of Community Services was established in 1979 via xecutive Order and works daily to meet the needs of our seniors, youth, persons with disabilities and those struggling to overcome addiction. The Department works with federal, state, local, and private agencies to ensure that our county continues to evolve and remains dedicated to providing the best possible services for our citizens and community.