Art knows no bounds, and at the Fourth Annual Tri-State DisAbility Art Show, students with special needs showcased their remarkable talents, proving that creativity is truly accessible to all. Hosted by the Y.A.L.E. School at its Performing Arts Center in Cherry Hill, the event brought together young artists with disabilities from across the greater Philadelphia region to exhibit their original works of art.
From paintings and sculptures to mixed media displays, the Art Show featured a diverse array of artwork created by students aged 3 to 21 with individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans. With 330 unique pieces on display, the gallery served as a vibrant celebration of creativity and inclusion, highlighting the artistic achievements of students from 28 public and private schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
“The theme of this year’s Art Show was ‘Art for All,’ and our students fully embraced this concept, showcasing their own unique talents while celebrating the creativity of their peers,” said Karen Donnelly, art teacher at Y.A.L.E. School and organizer of the Art Show. “It’s incredibly inspiring to witness the growth and creativity of our students year after year.”
In addition to the stunning artwork on display, the Art Show featured live musical performances by student musicians, as well as interactive craft tables where families could engage in art activities together. Moreover, the event provided an opportunity for students and attendees to support a worthy cause through the purchase of custom-made merchandise bearing the slogan “Art for All.” Proceeds from the sales went towards the Perkins Center for the Arts Accessibility Fund, furthering efforts to make art accessible to all individuals.
“We are deeply committed to supporting the social-emotional well-being of our communities through arts engagement,” said Kahra Buss, Executive Director of Perkins Center for the Arts. “The Tri-State DisAbility Art Show allows us to celebrate the diversity of our communities while promoting the transformative power of art.”
With a focus on inclusivity, the Art Show provided printed guides in Braille and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting during the awards ceremony, ensuring that all attendees could fully participate in the event. Even the prize ribbons for juried works were crafted by Y.A.L.E. School students, further emphasizing the spirit of collaboration and inclusion.
“The growth of the Art Show over the years truly reflects the theme of ‘art for all,’ and we are committed to continuing to provide opportunities like this for our students,” added Donnelly. “Their enthusiasm and creativity are truly inspiring, and we look forward to celebrating their talents for years to come.”
About Y.A.L.E. School NJ
Y.A.L.E. School is a New Jersey state-approved private special education school with 12 campus locations throughout southern New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia region. Serving students with disabilities ages 3 through 21, Y.A.L.E. School offers specialized programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, providing comprehensive support, specialized instruction, and transition services. For over four decades, Y.A.L.E. School has been dedicated to empowering students with disabilities to achieve their full potential. Visit www.yaleschoolnj.com for more information.
