Working with artists with disabilities. and From Michael
(page 1)
Project Introduction
From Michael is a not-for-profit alternative exhibition designed and developed by myself. This project provides the artist good exposure with minimum stress.
The launching evening for the project is two-folded: As opening of an exhibition which continutes here at www.studioasu.com; and also a launch for a social-professional circle of interest to the artist's work. Instead of selling the artwork to one client, the artwork was converted onto DL size souvenir cards, with artist's or family's permission, the souvenir cards were distributed to the guests of the evening, the guests are then encouraged to join the artist's social-professional circle and to stay in touch for longer terms, which is very important for any emerging artist.
Future of From Michael
We would like to introduce this alternative exhibition concept to artists with disabilities around NSW, and create a number of Circles of Life and for these artist's Circles to join together and initiate peer support between emerging artists with disabilities. A career in the Art can be daunting and stressful, we would like to use this initiative to make the artists and their families to feel comfortable and supported by others with similar interest. Exhibition on Cards (concepted by Ms Lara Naigus) is also an opportunity for people to purchase/obtain a milestone of the artist's journey without the artwork leaving the artist.
Click here to view From Michael online. This section includes artwork and videos from the launch evening.
Exhibition Outcome:
Congratulation to Michael for the positive media coverage of his art launch:
Click on image for larger version
From Michael featured on North Shore Times, December 7 2007 issue, page 11
From Michael featured on Jewish Times, January 2008
From Michael featured on Accessible Arts newsletter, February 2008 issue
My background story of working with artists with disabilities
In 2007 I had begin working for a well respected art dealer in Sydney and I had also begin my initiative with artists with disabilities.
My interest in artists with disabilities began with my involvement at the Signature of Sydney art competition (2006). Although this largest competition in Australian history had received mixed reviews but the Free Entry policy for artists with disabilities was appreciated by the community, this policy was my creation as a staff member of the competition. Learning the stories behind the artists with disabilities was inspiring and I am very grateful to meet a lot of truly dedicated people.
In early 2007 I had begin working as a support worker for artists with disabilities in the organisation Jewish Care, which exposed me to more variety of people, and learn even more about other societies and religious groups.