Programs

Arts In / Arts Out

In CATA’s core program, people with disabilities tap into their creativity, discover new talents, and connect with the wider community. Each series explores a particular art form—singing, drumming, modern and tap dance, theater, painting, sculpture, creative writing, yoga, and juggling—with workshops offered across Berkshire and Columbia counties.

CATA in the Schools

CATA in the Schools brings CATA workshops to students in special education and alternative learning programs in nine school districts. Students explore new areas of interest, tap into their talents, and find their creative voice.

A.R.T. Workshops

CATA offers innovative painting workshops for people with significant physical disabilities using Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.), an adaptive painting technique developed by Tim Lefens.

CATAdirect Crafts Cooperative

CATAdirect brings together individuals with disabilities and community volunteers to create beautiful, handcrafted products, which are sold to provide commissions to artists and to share CATA’s mission.

Annual Art Show: I Am a Part of Art

A celebration of creativity and inclusion, I Am a Part of Art features vibrant paintings, drawings, and sculpture created by CATA artists with disabilities. Exhibits are held at the Clark Art Institute and the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts.

Gala and Annual Performance

“One of the most joyous events of the year,” CATA’s Gala and Annual Performance is the culmination of hundreds of performing arts workshops and a celebration of the artistry of people with disabilities.

Poetry Reading

CATA’s annual Poetry Reading spotlights the revelatory work of writers with disabilities who hone their skills throughout the year in CATA’s Writer’s Workshop.

Art on Tour

Visual art created by CATA artists is exhibited at museums, galleries, businesses, and other cultural and community sites throughout the Berkshires and beyond.

The Art Cart

Rooted in a strong respect for elders and their history, The Art Cart uses the power of the arts to inspire nursing home residents to share their life stories and talents. CATA faculty artists lead group workshops or work one-on-one with elders to share songs, poems, art, and stories.

Card to Culture

We are proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, Massachusetts Health Connector, and Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program. EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare card holders are eligible for up to 4 FREE workshops at our Studio headquarters.