PRESS RELEASES
Last Updated: 4/17/08
Community Access to the Arts prefers to use “people first” language when referring to people with disabilities. Please use the terms “people with disabilities” instead of disabled people or the handicapped and “artists with disabilities” instead of disabled artists. If you have any questions about terminology with regard to disability, please visit www.disabilityisnatural.com.
April 15, 2008
CATA Performance Marks Fifteenth Anniversary
Community Access to the Arts will present its fifteenth anniversary performance at the Founders’ Theatre in Lenox on Saturday, May 3rd at 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 4th at 1 p.m. The Saturday evening performance is followed by a gala dinner at Berkshire Country Day School. The annual performance weekend is the organization’s largest fundraiser attended by 600 people.
Community Access to the Arts (CATA) provides arts workshops for 550 people with disabilities throughout Berkshire County. This year’s show, CATA’s Greatest Hits, features reconstructions of popular past works and new material developed by CATA faculty artists. Executive Director, Sandra Newman, commented, “We’re so lucky to be doing this work in the Berkshires! This beautiful community has embraced CATA’s exemplary model for creative social change.”
The show includes excerpts from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performed by CATA’s Shakespeare’s Players under the direction of Barby Cardillo and Diane Prusha, a medley of songs written by Vikki True and Bobby Sweet performed by the CATA Serenaders, and a recreation of “Common Ground,” a dance directed by Dawn Lane featuring a cast of dancers with mixed abilities and guest artist, Liz Thompson.
Community Access to the Arts’ mission is to nurture and celebrate the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts. This year’s performance is supported in part by grants from fourteen Berkshire County Cultural Councils and The Boschen Fund for Artists at the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Tickets for the Saturday evening show are $95, $175 with dinner and reservations are required. Suggested donation for the Sunday matinee is $30 with reservations recommended. For more information, call 413-528-5485.
February 14, 2008
Unlocking Hidden Talent
Community Access to the Arts (CATA), through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and VSA Massachusetts, is hosting a two-day residency with artist, Tim Lefens. Lefens is the founder of Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.), an innovative technique that gives people with severe physical disabilities the freedom to create paintings using a head mounted laser pointer and a human “tracker.” The residency takes place on March 17 and 18 at Williams College in Williamstown.
During the residency, six individuals will be trained as trackers, becoming the hands of the artist working with them through an infinite and sophisticated series of yes or no questions designed to offer the artist complete control. Trackers must be very patient, learning to act only upon receiving affirmation from the artist. The result sometimes blows the art world away. A writer for Arbus Magazine asks, “How is it that an individual thought to be unable to communicate, is able to create pieces with such grace and power?” The answer, it is suggested, is that they put more into it. One of Lefens’ artists said, “Even Tim [Lefens] doesn’t know how we live in the paint.”
While A.R.T. has won several prestigious awards, been featured in the New York Times and the CBS Evening News, and boasts such famous people on its board of directors as actor Wilhelm Dafoe and musician, Neil Young, the program is still struggling financially. It costs about $5,400 a year to support one artist. Community Access to the Arts’ grant makes it possible to introduce A.R.T. to ten local students with disabilities, train six trackers, and professionally document the work. CATA is still looking for funding to provide ongoing A.R.T. workshops throughout the year.
Rebecca Tucker-Smith, CATA’s program director for North Berkshire County, explains, “People who have viewed the art have been impressed and deeply moved by the quality of the images and by the tremendous power A.R.T. has to unlock otherwise hidden talent and vision. CATA is thrilled to be able to bring this revolutionary program to Berkshire County for the community to witness.” For more information on A.R.T., visit www.artrealization.org. For more information on CATA, call 413-528-5485.
December 13, 2007
Sprout Film Festival Comes to The Triplex in February
The Sprout Film Festival Tour makes its first stop of 2008 in Great Barrington. Hosted by Community Access to the Arts, this event takes place at the Triplex Cinema on February 2nd at noon and features short films by and about people with developmental disabilities. Tickets are $10 for adults. Children under 18 are admitted free. Community Access to the Arts (CATA) is a local non-profit organization that nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts.
The Sprout Film Festival is based in New York City and houses a library of approximately 60 films made by and about people with developmental disabilities. John Whalan of Black Ice Entertainment, event sponsor and Vice President of the Board of Directors of CATA, said, "Sprout's traveling film festival showcases work by comedians. writers, documentary filmmakers and fine actors who happen to have developmental disabilities. The films we'll be featuring prove that entertainment, comedy and compelling storytelling are the universal languages for audiences. If you come for no other reason, come to be entertained."
By presenting films of artistry and intellect, insight and humor, the festival hopes to offer accurate, nuanced portrayals of people with developmental disabilities and invite the media and the general public to consider this population from a new and engaging perspective. Anthony di Salvo, founder of the Sprout Film Festival, will be on hand to introduce the films.
CATA, celebrating its 15th year offering arts programs to people with disabilities, is continually seeking enjoyable and enlightening ways to help break down stereotypes and promote greater acceptance of differences and awareness of similarities. Co-sponsors of the event include the Triplex Cinema and other CATA board members including Catherine and Matt Mandel and Lee Ann and Mark Pettus.
Approximately eight to ten short films will be shown in 90 minutes some touching portraits of memorable people, some comedic shorts, and some entertaining narrative stories. Following the screening, the audience is invited to CATA's new studio at 70 Railroad Street for refreshments. Viewers can learn more about Sprout at www.gosprout.org. For tickets or more information, call Community Access to the Arts at 413-528-5485. Tickets are also available at the door!
August 14, 2007
Berkshire Bank Foundation Awards Grant to Community Access to the Arts’ CATAdirect Program
The Berkshire Bank Foundation recently made an award of $6,000 to Community Access to the Arts’ CATAdirect program. CATAdirect is an employment program for individuals with disabilities. CATAdirect products include jewelry, handbags, and home furnishings and are sold at CATA events, the CATA gallery, area merchants including the Pine Cone Hill Home Store, and are available for viewing on CATA’s website (www.communityaccesstotheARTS.org). The CATAdirect program currently employs ten adults with disabilities. Designer Janet Reich Elsbach, production manager Ron Ronan and production assistant Rebecca Sellon lead the program.
Products are designed to capitalize on the range of abilities and tremendous creative energy that CATAdirect employees bring to the workshop. A typical day might see sewing, cutting, sorting, tying and beading all going on at once. The current product line features jewelry and picture frames adorned with recycled buttons, and a range of bags festooned with colorful fabric-scrap garlands.
Michael P. Daly, President of Berkshire Bank and the Berkshire Bank Foundation said, “We are extremely pleased to support CATAdirect with a gift from our Foundation. Our donation will help CATA expand this program that provides work opportunities for people with disabilities in our community. One of the Foundation’s priorities is to support community art, education and economic development projects that enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. This project meets that goal. We wish CATA continued success with its important work.”
CATA is a non-profit arts organization that was founded by Sandra Newman in 1993. CATA seeks to lessen the stigma of difference and disability through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts and to enhance public awareness about the valuable contribution all individuals play in their community. CATA programs include visual and performing arts workshops, three performing arts companies, and an art cart program that brings art, storytelling, and music to nursing home residents. To receive more information about CATAdirect please call 413-528-5485 or email info@communityaccesstotheARTS.org.
August 13, 2007
Liana Toscanini Named Director of Development and Marketing for CATA
Liana Toscanini has been named director of development and marketing for Community Access to the Arts (CATA) in Great Barrington. She replaces Rebecca Tucker-Smith whose new position is Program Director for Northern Berkshire County.
Toscanini is responsible for major gifts and grants, public relations, board development, and CATAdirect, an employment program offering interesting, creative work for people with disabilities. She will also work with the CATA team on the organization’s 15th anniversary celebration in 2007-2008. Toscanini has been on CATA’s board since 2002.
Most recently, Toscanini owned and operated LT HOME, a linen and gift shop in Great Barrington. Previously she was vice president of marketing for Sure Fit Slipcovers in New York City. She also served as president of the Sandisfield Arts Center and is the current treasurer of Friends of Yanner Park in Sandisfield.
Community Access to the Arts works to lessen the stigma of difference and disability and to enhance public awareness of the valuable contributions all individuals can offer their communities by providing opportunities for shared experiences in the arts. For more information about CATA, visit www.communityaccesstotheARTS.org.
July 26, 2007
CATA’s 3rd Annual I Am A Part of Art Exhibition and Poetry Reading - Opening Reception – Saturday, August 11 at 5pm
Community Access to the Arts (CATA) will present an art show featuring the work of CATA participants during the 2006-2007 program year at their gallery at 40 Railroad Street in Great Barrington, MA with an opening reception on Saturday, August 11 from 5-7pm. Paintings, collages, and three-dimensional works will present a feast for the eyes and soul. The show will feature artwork created in CATA workshops facilitated by CATA Faculty Artists: Karen Arp-Sandel, Cynthia Atwood, Barbara Beach, Susie Hardcastle, Pat Hogan, Leslie Klein, Marlene Marshall, Caitlin Nash, Senta Reis, Janice Shields, Michael Wolski, and artist-in-residence, Gordon Sasaki.
The opening reception will include a poetry reading at 5:30 featuring poetry written by CATA participants with poet and CATA Artist Carol Stroll during a year-long weekly poetry workshop. Guest readers Roy Blount Jr., Barby Cardillo, Diane Prusha, and Carol Stroll will join the participant in reading their work.
The exhibit will be on display from August 11 through September 14. The gallery is open weekdays from 9-5 and on weekends by special appointment.
CATA is a non-profit arts organization that seeks to break down the barriers of difference and disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts. CATA’s Arts In & Arts Out program offers workshops in the visual and performing arts throughout Berkshire County. For more information, please call 413-528-5485 or visit us online at www.communityaccesstotherARTS.org.
May 30, 2007
CATA Announces Round Table Discussion for Educators on Wednesday, June 27 from 3:00-4:30pm
CATA invites area educators to participate in a round table discussion on the needs and challenges of incorporating individuals with disabilities in educational setting led by Gordon Sasaki, an artist and educator who teaches in the department of Community and Access at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The session is open to educators in any and all settings, but will be of special interest to special education teachers and arts educators. Handouts and light refreshments will be provided. The session is free and open to the public. Advance registration is requested but not required - please call the CATA office at 413-528-5485 to register.
A wheelchair user since a 1982 automobile accident, Mr. Sasaki is a dedicated proponent for the inclusion of the arts as a life tool, invaluable to everyone and relevant to all aspects of daily life. He emphasizes creating practical and inclusive lesson plans in noncompetitive and fun learning environments. Mr. Sasaki implements his ideas through his teaching in universities, museums, schools and private institutions, including workshops and presentations for the New York City Department of Education, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Arts and Design, and the International Center for Tolerance in Education.
This inservice discussion will take place at CATA's Studio/Gallery at 40 Railroad Street in Great Barrington and is part of a week-long residency program including visual art workshops, open studio time, and an exhibition that will be opening on Saturday, June 30 from 3-6pm. Please call the office to find out about other residency activities.
This project is supported by funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and VSA arts of Massachusetts's ADA Cultural Access Initiative Grant Program. In addition, CATA has been awarded grants to support this project from the following Local Cultural Councils, local agencies that are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency: Alford Egremont, Lee, New Marlborough, Pittsfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge.
May 30, 2007
CATA Announces Artist-in-Residence Program for June 25-30
Please join Community Access to the Arts and Gordon Sasaki for a residency program that will include a series of inclusive, hands-on workshops designed as professional development for teachers and artists, as well as for parent and student participation. New York City based artist Gordon Sasaki's work blends classical techniques of art making with contemporary ideas of identity and culture. A wheelchair user since a 1982 automobile accident, Mr. Sasaki brings to his workshops a unique combination of personal insight, academic training, and over twenty years of experience working with special needs populations. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Pollock-Krasner Award, Mr. Sasaki is a dedicated proponent for the inclusion of the arts as a life tool, invaluable to everyone and relevant to all aspects of daily life.
The residency program will include a series of visual art workshops, an inservice program for educators, open studio time, an art-sharing afternoon, and will conclude with an exhibition on Saturday, June 30 from 3-6pm. All interested Berkshire County residents over the age of 12, with and without disabilities, are invited to apply; the residency will include participants of all ages and ability levels. Events will take place from Monday, June 25 - Saturday June 30. All events will take place at CATA's Studio/Gallery at 40 Railroad Street in downtown Great Barrington. Please call CATA at 413-528-5485 for more details and for application information.
This project is supported by funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and VSA arts of Massachusetts's ADA Cultural Access Initiative Grant Program. In addition, CATA has been awarded grants to support this project from the following Local Cultural Councils, local agencies that are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency: Alford Egremont, Lee, New Marlborough, Pittsfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge.
CATA works to lessen the stigma of difference and disability by providing opportunities for shared experiences in the arts. CATA's programs take place in healthcare, therapeutic, eldercare, educational, community, and cultural settings. CATA serves over 500 individuals with developmental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities representing 22 different human service and educational organizations, as well as individuals living at home.
May 21, 2007
Choreographer & Educator Dawn Lane to Be Given a MAAE Award
CATA Program Director and Jacob's Pillow faculty member, Dawn Lane will be given the 2007 Distinguished Arts Educator in Dance Award from The Massachusetts Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE). The award will be given at Lesley University on May 31st.
Lane has performed and taught at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, The Unicorn Theatre, Boston Arts Academy, The Egg, and Boston Conservatory. Her award-winning humor has been funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the LEF Foundation and the Mid-Atlantic Arts Council. In 2006, she was awarded a Berkshire County Unsung Hero Award for her work with Community Access to the Arts (CATA). Her recent work with filmmaker John Whalan was featured recently at BIFFMA. She is one of three nationally chosen dance educators selected to teach Curriculum in Motion™ for Jacob's Pillow. She has taught in the area for fifteen years and has produced over thirty works in that time. Her recent work included the creation of four works with Marisa Yudkin, a dancer with Huntington's Disease who passed away in February 2007. Their collaborations will be included in the 75th Anniversary season at Jacob's Pillow this summer.
MAAE was founded in 1980 to support the arts and education in collaboration with the Massachusetts Board of Education, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Arts & Learning Collaborative.
April 14, 2007
CATA Presents Annual Gala and Performance - Stars in the Ocean, Sand in the Sky
Community Access to the Arts (CATA) will celebrate the 2006-2007 programming year with their 12th annual gala performance weekend at Shakespeare and Company's Founders' Theater in Lenox, MA, with performances on Saturday, May 12 at 6:30pm and on Sunday, May 13 at 1pm. This year's show, Stars in the Ocean, Sand in the Sky, speaks to the power of reflection. "Picture a night sky reflected on the water," says Program Director, Dawn Lane. "This mirror is the essence of our mission, to place our participants, our faculty and our community in a reflective visual where similarities and differences are noticed and appreciated."
This year's show will also pay tribute to Marisa Yudkin, a CATA dancer who passed away from Huntington's disease on February 15, 2007.
CATA is a non-profit arts organization that was founded by Sandra Newman in 1993. CATA seeks to lessen the stigma of difference and disability through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts, and to enhance public awareness about the valuable contribution all individuals play in their community. CATA programs include visual and performing arts workshops, four performing arts companies, and an art cart program that brings art, storytelling, and music to nursing home residents.
Under the direction of many of Berkshire County's finest performing artists, the cast of individuals with and without disabilities from Berkshire County ARC, Cadmus Life-Sharing, Leander House, Riverbrook, and area schools will perform a 75-minute program. The performance will include "Zenith" and "Mermuring," dances choreographed by Dawn Lane and Stefanie Weber, selected scenes from "The Tempest," directed by Barby Cardillo and Diane Prusha, and an original song by Vikki True.
Saturday's performance is part of a gala evening, including a cocktail reception before and seated dinner after the show. Reflecting the theme, Stars in the Ocean, Sand in the Sky, the gala dinner will feature custom designed "tablescapes" created by a wonderful assortment of Berkshire County's talented artists and designers, including: The Annie Selke Companies; Dai, Simon, and Luke Ban; Janet Reich Elsbach and Naomi Blumenthal; Crispina ffrench; Crocus Hale, Pamela Hardcastle; Bridget Ford Hughes and Michele O'Hana; Marlene Marshall; Valerie Maynard/Belle Fete; Caitlin Nash; Jill Schwartz and Ron Ronan; Liana Toscanini and Richard Cherneff; and William Caligari Interiors/Architecture. These designers are contributing their time, expertise and materials to create their unique interpretations of the theme.
Tickets for the Saturday Gala are available at $175 and $300 per person and include cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, the performance, and dinner (reservations required); tickets at $95 per person include the pre-performance cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and performance only (reservations encouraged).
The Sunday event is at 1pm and is suitable for all ages. Tickets will be available at the door. A $30 donation per ticket is suggested for the Sunday performance; children 12 and under are free and warmly invited. Special treats for mothers will be offered!
Both performances will be ASL-interpreted by Trudy Gilbert. At both performances, guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase items from the new CATAdirect collection - a creative employment program operated by CATA which produces handbags, jewelry, and home furnishings.
Sets for the show were designed and constructed by CATA participants through a community partnership with IS183 under the direction of CATA Faculty Artists Susie Hardcastle and Caitlin Nash.
To purchase tickets for Stars in the Ocean, Sand in the Sky or to receive more information about our program please call CATA at 413-528-5485. See you at the show!
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