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Professional development opportunities focused on access to the cultural arts Upcoming Events Access/VSA Network members are invited to take part in numerous online and in-person events directly related to their field. View Our Events Calendar Upcoming Events Ongoing The Theory and Practice of Anti-Ableist Arts Education Asynchronous 15-module online course February Afternoon Tea: The Annual Audio Description Tea! Thursday, February 5 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. ET FREE, for members only Lightning Talk: Make It Make Sense: Exploring Accessibility with Intention (How to approach design with purpose, curiosity, and all senses) Thursday, February 19 from 1:00-1:30 p.m. ET FREE for members, $15 for non-members Employer Community of Practice Meeting Tuesday, February 24 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET FREE for everyone March Afternoon Tea: The Annual Audio Description Tea, Part 2 Thursday, March 5 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. ET FREE, for members only Afternoon at the Movies with ReelAbilities Wednesday, March 18 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET FREE, for members only Webinar: Building Community Connections Panel Tuesday, March 24 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET FREE for everyone Webinar: Surviving State Testing: Alternative Assessment & Arts Integration Wednesday, March 25 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET FREE for members, $15 for non-members April Afternoon Tea: Supporting People with Intellectual Disabilities in Programming & Employment Thursday, April 2 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. ET FREE for everyone Webinar: Lessons in Motion Wednesday, April 22 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET FREE for members, $15 for non-members Employer Community of Practice Meeting Thursday, April 30 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET FREE for everyone May Employer Community of Practice Meeting Thursday, May 28 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET FREE for everyone June Afternoon at the Movies with Reel Abilities: The Employment Edition Wednesday, June 10 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET FREE for everyone

The Kennedy Center Access/VSA International Network provides community, education, and resources to creatives, educators, and arts leaders striving for the full inclusion of people in cultural arts and disability. The Access/VSA International Network provides community, education, and resources to creatives, educators, and arts leaders striving for accessibility for people with disabilities in arts and culture. Memberships start at just $30 a year! Save the date ! L E AD Conference August 11-14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA

Online courses with the Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility and VSA The Theory and Practice of Anti-Ableist Arts Education The Theory and Practice of Anti-Ableist Arts Education is an asynchronous collection of modules that invites arts educators and administrators to consider what changes when our students’ disabilities are not just learning needs to design for but are also cultural identities to value in our classrooms. Throughout the course, we engage with historical work and thought-provoking readings (theory) that challenge our assumptions about disability and access. We also review concrete resources (practice) that suggest easy-to-implement strategies for meeting students’ needs in the classroom. Both are essential in anti-ableist teaching, which goes beyond integrating resources like accessibility checklists or adaptive tools—though these are useful starting points. This collection of modules provides educators, teaching artists, program administrators, and others with support in both efforts—unpacking concepts like ableism and anti-ableism, introducing ways to understand and design for disability in the classroom, exploring the history and work of disability justice, and providing concrete strategies and suggested arts exemplars for each of the major disciplines. This online course is comprised of 15 Modules that may be purchased individually for $75.00 each, or in discounted bundles. Purchase the complete bundle and receive a $100 discount. Modules 1, 2, and 15 are our gift to you and are FREE with the purchase of any single module or bundle (a value of $225). Pick the bundle that best suits your needs and register at kec.memberclicks.net/antiableistcourse Module 1: Setting the Stage for Anti-Ableist Arts Learning Module 2: Foundations of Anti-Ableist Arts Education This module defines and unpacks ableism as an oppressive system that impacts people with and without disabilities. We explore how ableism often shows up in schools, arts organizations, nonprofits, and society writ large. It also introduces a framework for anti-ableist arts pedagogy. Module 3: The History and Practice of Disability Justice This module introduces and unpacks the concept of disability justice. We go over the history of the first and second waves of the disability rights movement and differentiate between disability rights and disability justice as frameworks. Drawing on the work of disabled activists and artists, this module invites arts educators to consider the work of accessibility as a practice of love and solidarity with their disabled students. Module 4: Models of Disability and Their Impact on Instruction This module establishes disability as both an embodied experience and an identity. It challenges the idea that we can arrive at one, essential definition of disability as well as creating a single definition should be a goal. We unpack common definitions and ways of thinking about disability while exploring what each approach might mean for arts teaching. Module 5: U.S. Special Education Law: What Arts Educators Need to Know This module provides an introduction to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, unpacks the six core tenets of the law, and addresses what school- and community-based arts educators need to know about how the law affects their work. It also provides overviews of other laws that affect the arts learning of students with disabilities. We explore how these laws support disabled students and also where they fall short in efforts to enact disability justice. Module 6: Disability Art This module introduces the Disability Art Movement and the concept of “disability aesthetics.” We explore the difference between Disability Art and art by artists with disabilities and discuss the importance of highlighting Disability Art in the classroom. Module 7: Teaching in Anti-Ableist Classrooms: Differentiated Instruction This module explores the framework of differentiated instruction in relationship to anti-ableist practice. It suggests strategies for planning arts learning activities using Differentiated Instruction within an anti-ableist framework for instruction. Module 8: Teaching in Anti-Ableist Classrooms: Universal Design for Learning This module explores the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in relationship to anti-ableist practice. It suggests strategies for planning learning activities using UDL within an anti-ableist framework for instruction. Module 9: Teaching in Anti-Ableist Classrooms: Adaptation, Accommodations, and Modifications This module unpacks the definitions of adaptations, accommodations, and modifications to ensure that students with disabilities are appropriately supported in inclusive and separate classrooms. We contextualize adaptations within an anti-ableist framework to challenge the idea that accessibility “checklists” can fully meet students’ needs. This module provides instructional examples that span the arts disciplines. Module 10: Visual Art: Exemplars and Strategies This module explores disability aesthetics in the visual arts and provides suggestions for integrating disability art into the anti-ableist visual art classroom. We deeply explore the work of Deaf artist Patti Durr in addition to discussing several other disabled visual artists whose work can enrich instruction. The module also provides participants with specific instructional strategies for supporting students with disabilities in visual arts education. Featured Artist Interview: Patti Durr Featured Educator Interview: Kristin Mohan Module 11: Drama: Exemplars and Strategies This module explores disability aesthetics in drama and provides suggestions for integrating disability art into the anti-ableist theater classroom. We deeply explore the work of theatremaker Terri Lynne Hudson in addition to discussing several other disabled theater artists whose work can enrich instruction. The module also provides participants with specific instructional strategies for supporting students with disabilities in theater education. Featured Artist Interview: Terri Lynne Hudson Featured Educator Interview: Sofiya Cheyenne Module 12: Dance: Exemplars and Strategies This module explores disability aesthetics in dance and provides suggestions for integrating disability art into the anti-ableist dance classroom. We deeply explore the work of dancer Alice Sheppard in addition to discussing several other disabled dancers and choreographers whose work can enrich instruction. The module also provides participants with specific instructional strategies for supporting students with disabilities in dance education. Featured Artist Interview: Alice Sheppard Featured Educator Interview: Elizabeth Staal Module 13: Music: Exemplars and Strategies This module explores disability aesthetics in music and provides suggestions for integrating disability art into the anti-ableist music classroom. We deeply explore the work of musician Lachi in addition to discussing several other disabled musicians whose work can enrich instruction. The module also provides participants with specific instructional strategies for supporting students with disabilities in music education. Featured Artist Interview: Lachi Featured Educator Interview: Emma Gibbins Module 14: Anti-Ableism in Arts Education Leadership This module explores considerations for anti-ableist program design, including administrative commitments as well as approaches for training teachers and teaching artists throughout their careers. Featured Panel Interview: Lachi, Erin Hoppe, Lauren Stichter, Hannah Wong Module 15: Conclusion: Toward a More Just Arts Education

Become a member of the Access/VSA International Network. Join the Network With members like you, we're creating an international community that fosters the growing field of accessibility and disability in the arts, cultural institutions, and arts education; curates best practices; and defines excellence in the field. Join the Access/VSA Network Now! Join the Access/VSA International Network and benefit from our educational events, networking opportunities, and professional connections for just $30 a year! CREATE COMMUNITY Become part of our transformative creative community! Share your passion for access to the arts with peer s around the globe, collaborate with colleagues who face the same challenges, and learn from experts in the arts, accessibility, and special education fields. EXCHANGE BEST PRACTICES By connecting with colleagues via our network listservs, you’ll discover what’s working, what’s not, and what exciting innovations are on the horizon. Contribute to thought-leadership, trade ideas, ask questions, or submit your news to our monthly newsletter. ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES, EDUCATION, AND RESOURCES Your one-stop shop for arts access information, the Access/VSA International Network posts grant and career opportunities, offers one-of-a-kind conferences and online learning, and provides the resources and information you need, tailored to your interests. Network Benefits FREE access to Network Webinars and Professional Development Discounts on Online Learning Courses Discounts to the Annual LEAD Conference Exclusive Networking with your peers, through our E-lists and Community Forums Exclusive Curated Content Library Access to Opportunities through our job postings, casting calls, c alls for art, residencies, grants, competitions, and more Access to Mentorships Access to Member Directory & Contact Info Monthly Newsletter plus more! Network Groups The Access/VSA International Network has three groups for members to connect with their colleagues and peers: LEAD® Cultural Access Weaving accessibility into a cultural arts organization isn’t easy. Where do you find the specific niche resources you need? The information about new technologies tailored to your organization’s needs? Or, perhaps most importantly, the people who truly understand your passion for the cultural arts and access to them? You’ll find it here. The Access/VSA International LEAD Cultural Access track includes professionals from across the globe, and across the cultural arts spectrum—from theatres to museums to parks. We all share a common goal: a desire to ensure the arts are accessible to people with disabilities, and a commitment to share information and resources to make that desire a reality. Arts & Education You know that the arts are an integral part of a well-rounded education. But how do you help all your students access the arts world? How do you teach visual and performing arts when you’re not artistic? How do you incorporate the arts into your existing programs, or deliver art experiences and workshops in the virtual world? We can help. The Access/VSA International Network Arts & Special Education Track includes school and community educators from around the world. Some are arts specialists, some are general educators or administrators, some work in special education. All are committed to sharing resources, research, and best practices that address the learning needs of students with disabilities in arts-based and arts-integrated instruction. Creatives As an artist, you know that connections can provide inspiration, mentorship, and support. Peers, teachers, and colleagues challenge you to do your best work. As a person with a disability (or an organization that supports artists with disabilities), you recognize the need for resources that fit your life, that teach you useful accommodating techniques, and give you the necessary how-to’s to present your creative work to the world. Membership Options & Rates Premium Organization Includes up to five (5) linked members in your organization Conference discount for up to three (3) people $125 per year Standard Organization Includes up to three (3) linked members in your organization Conference discount for up to two (2) people $75 per year Individual Membership for one (1) person Conference discount for one (1) person $30 per year Join the Access/VSA Network Now! Questions? Contact us at 202-416-8898 or vsainfo@kennedy-ce nter.org .

The Access/VSA International Network is an active global community that shares best practices in arts access, brainstorms solutions to common (and uncommon) issues, and blazes an accessible path to the world of arts and culture. About the Network The Access/VSA International Network is an active global community that shares best practices in arts access, brainstorms solutions to common (and uncommon) issues, and blazes an accessible path to the world of arts and culture. The arts and culture accessibility movement has always been strong, led by passionate and innovative administrators, teachers, artmakers, and organizations. But for years those leaders lacked the connection to share challenges and successes and the opportunity to build and improve on each other’s work. There was no center of learning, no coordinated “arts access field,” no standard for access. The disability rights movement and advent of federal disability rights laws helped change that situation, propelling arts and disability supporters to connect and learn from each other. The Access/VSA International Network is built on the shoulders of those pioneers. We offer the opportunity to support and learn from each other through in-person convenings, online learning, and lively listservs. We cross-pollinate new ideas. We illuminate the work of artists with disabilities and exemplify arts access—and the need for it—to the larger world. We provide a space where small grassroots organizations can connect with large established institutions, and experienced experts can mentor people new to the field of arts access. We organize, drive, and bring credibility to that field by innovating, creating shared resources, exploring and establishing global practices. We harness our collective experience, knowledge, and passion for access to arts and culture to shape the arts access movement, and to move it forward. The Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility & VSA The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Art's Office of Accessibility and VSA works toward a world where people with disabilities of all ages can learn through, participate in, and engage with the arts. We make Kennedy Center performances and facilities accessible to all audiences, and manage the VSA International Network, providing resources, programs, and opportunities for educators, cultural administrators, emerging and professional artists and performers with disabilities. CREATE COMMUNITY Become part of our transformative creative community! Share your passion for access to the arts with peers around the globe, collaborate with colleagues who face the same challenges, and learn from experts in the arts, accessibility, and special education fields. EXCHANGE BEST PRACTICES By connecting with colleagues via our network listservs, you’ll discover what’s working, what’s not, and what exciting innovations are on the horizon. Contribute to thought-leadership, trade ideas, ask questions, or submit your news to our monthly e-newsletter. ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES, EDUCATION, AND RESOURCES Your one-stop shop for arts access information, the Access/VSA International Network posts grant and career opportunities, offers one-of-a-kind conferences and online learning, and provides the resources and information you need, tailored to your interests. We would love to hear from you! Contact us at 202-416-8898 or vsainfo@kennedy-center. org .

The Code of Conduct for the Access/VSA International Network. Code of Conduct We understand that language is fluid and varies from community to community, country to country, and culture to culture. We respect those differences and ask that y ou do , too. We oppose all discrimination on the grounds of disability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, class, or religious belief. We do not tolerate harassment, including name-calling, badgering, attacks on a person's character or motives, and/or offensive language or profanity. We do not allow posts related to partisan politics. Access/VSA International Network Code of Conduct Participation Guidelines Please do: Ask questions about techn iques, tools, or tips. Seek advice on getting into the field. Share best practices. Discuss controversies in the field or profession. Assume good intent. Keep subject lines concise and clear so members can respond appropriately and easily search the archives. Gracefully offer and accept well-communicated constructive criticism. Attempt collaboration before conflict. Consider whether a post or reply is relevant to the entire group or would be better sent to an individual. Sign posts and replies with your real name. Please do not: Post about topics unrelated to disability and access to arts and culture. Post redundant information. Consider searching the archives to see if a topic has been discussed before. Post excessively or write excessively long posts. Sell or promote products or services for financial gain. We moderate our listservs and online communities, and reserve the right to deny posts that do not follow our guidelines and to suspend membership to anyone who violates this code of conduct. If you have any questions or concerns, or want to report potential violations, please contact vsainfo@kennedy-center.org for any issues relating to the Creative or Arts and Special Education tracks, or access@kennedy-center.org for any relating to the Cultural Access Track. Privacy Policy The Access/VSA International Network does not sell, rent, or share any personally identifiable information shared by visitors or our membership mailing list. Legal Notice Do not post any information or other material protected by copyright without permission. By posting material, the posting party warrants and represents that they own the copyright with respect to such material or has received permission from the copyright owner. In addition, the posting party grants the Access/VSA International Network and users of this site the nonexclusive right and license to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use such information or other material. The Access/VSA International Network is not responsible for opinions and information posted on this site or list. Limitations of Liability To the extent allowed under law, the Access/VSA International Network (a) disclaims all implied warranties and representations (e.g., warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy of data, and noninfringement); (b) does not guarantee that the communications tools will function without interruption or errors, and (c) provides the communication tools (including content and information) on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the extent permitted under law (and unless the Access/VSA International Network has entered into a separate written agreement that overrides this contract), the Access/VSA International Network shall not be liable to you or others for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of data, opportunities, reputation, profits, or revenues, related to the communications tools (e.g., offensive or defamatory statements, downtime or loss, use of, or changes to, your information or content). In no event shall the liability of the Access/VSA International Network exceed, in the aggregate for all claims, US $1000. This limitation of liability is part of the basis of the bargain between you and the Access/VSA International Network and shall apply to all claims of liability (e.g., warranty, tort, negligence, contract law) and even if the Access/VSA International Network has been told of the possibility of any such damage, and even if these remedies fail their essential purpose.

We created the Access/VSA Mentorship Program, to give Network members direct access to professional visual and performing artists with disabilities who can offer advice, make connections, and act as role models. Mentorship Program It can be tough to begin or further a career in the arts—and even tougher if you have a disability. That’s why we created the Access/VSA Mentorship Program, to give Network members direct access to professional visual and performing artists with disabilities who can offer advice, make connections, and act as role models. Our mentors answer questions and help guide art careers during regular online gatherings. The Network’s first mentor, professional blind visual artist John Bramblitt, summed up the program this way: “My goal is to knock down all barriers and give participants a backstage pass to the art world. We need more artists with disabilities showing professionally; let’s make it happen!” Sign in to see upcoming Mentorship Program events

The Kennedy Center Office of VSA & Accessibility hosts multiple Creative Careers programs throughout the year, open to young and emerging artists! Access/VSA Employer Community of Practice (ECoP) A dynamic network advancing employment in creative careers for people with disabilities. Join the Access/VSA Employer Community of Practice! Designed for cultural leaders like you, this free online community supports the development of equitable practices that strengthen the creative economy. As a member, you can: Exchange information and share resources regarding hiring, retention, and workplace accessibility within arts and culture organizations. Contribute to best practices that foster competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities in creative fields. Share success stories that demonstrate the value of employees with disabilities across the cultural sector. Explore apprenticeships, internships, and workforce development strategies that cultivate emerging talent in the creative economy. Connect with a national network of like-minded arts employers committed to fostering the diverse talents of employees with disabilities. The group is supported by an E-list, newsletter, virtual gatherings, and professional development opportunities. Because we want to expand the accessible arts-and-culture world, we’ve made this Network Group FREE to all. Please tell your colleagues about it. Let’s transform our future. Register for FREE today! Membership in the Access/VSA Employer of Community is FREE, but a membership to the entire Access/VSA International Network offers you more news and resources, and provides more opportunities for learning and connecting with colleagues. Membership starts at just $30/year. Check out all the benefits here . If you have any questions about the Employer Community of Practice, or about the Access/VSA International Network, please don't hesitate to contact us at vsainfo@kennedy-center.org . The contents of this Access/VSA Creative Career webpage were developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this webpage may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this webpage does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This webpage is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency (EDGAR 75.620).

Biographies and artist statements for the Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists 2024-2025 Winners. 2024-2025 Emerging Young Artists Inte rchange is the 20th exhibition presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program. The result of an over 20-year collaboration with Volkswagen Group of America, this national art program and exhibition features fifteen artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, displaying their work in venues across the country where each artist’s individual talent, mode of expression, and view of the world is highlighted and valued. With this traveling exhibition, the program amplifies the work of artists with disabilities throughout the United States, positioning them to broaden our understanding of disability and the arts. This year’s theme, Interchange , invites artists to explore the intersection of their disabili ty and artistic identities in a way that engages others in conversation. Director of Accessibility and VSA Betty Siegel notes “Interchange is not just a word or title for this exhibition, it is an expression of the way in which these young artists weave and intermingle the realities of their individual lived disability experiences with their bold artistic expression. Whether they paint, weld, draw or photograph these artists push the interchange of societies ideas and perspectives on disability.” How does their art interact with their disability identity and the world? How are they initiating dialogue with others? What conversations does their art inspire for the viewer? What new connections and pathways will the viewer explore as a result of their interchange with the artwork? ABOUT ACCESS/VSA EMERGING YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM Since 2002, the Kennedy Center and Volkswagen Group of America have teamed up for the Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program, to recognize and showcase the work of emerging young artists living with disabilities in the United States. This collaboration creates opportunities for these artists at a critical time when many are making the life-defining choice to pursue arts-based careers. The Kennedy Center and Volkswagen are committed to investing in the future of young artists living with disabilities. Every year, hundreds of emerging young artists living with disabilities compete to be included in a curated exhibition formed around a unique theme. After a rigorous adjudication process, 15 artists are selected to participate in the program. Each artist receives a $5,000 award, participates in professional development and networking activities, and has their work featured in a national exhibition. Exhibition Tour The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.) Jun 20, 2024 through Jul 28, 2024 (to be confirmed) Art Access Gallery (Raleigh, NC) Aug 9, 2024 through Sep 21, 2024 The Collective (Lafayette, CO) Nov 6, 2024 through Jan 5, 2025 2024-2025 Winners: Melina Ahmad Grace Benjamin Ruby Cromer Grace Fisher Al Gatta Sophia Gibbins John Groves Pins Leese Santiago López Nicole Mattick Camari Michael Jess Schwarz Sarah Simmons Celeste Tooth Maris Van Vlack MELINA AHMAD Brooklyn, New York · Age 17 Biography - As a young, queer, disabled artist, Melina Ahmad strives to communicate their story through art. They were unable to create art for a year after developing a chronic illness, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which rendered them bedbound. However, over time, they regained enough strength to pursue visual art, beginning with small works until they had recovered enough to create ambitious works of watercolor, sculpture, and mixed media. Now, Melina studies neuroscience and visual art at Bryn Mawr College, inspired by their chronic illness. They plan to attend graduate school for neuroscience research, while continuing to explore and celebrate disability through art and science alike. Statement - Melina Ahmad’s work is an ode to the human figure, in all forms of ability. Through multimedia works centering their own disabled body, they demonstrate the practice of finding beauty within disability. Their work emphasizes the naturalness of the human form with deep greens, blues, and reds to add depth to their watercolors and three-dimensional shapes to make the physical presence of their subjects known. In Fragmented Self Portrait, Melina fractures a painting of themselves, depicting the struggle of self-perception in a world that alienates and degrades disabled people. By separating pieces of the portrait with layers of fragile plexiglass, they communicate the delicate connection between the body and mind of a disabled person. GRACE BENJAMIN Woodbridge, Virginia · Age 23 Biography - Grace Benjamin is an artist and designer hailing from the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C metro area. Her works pull from a diverse range of mediums, showcasing an affinity for storytelling deeply influenced by her background as a child of refugees. With elements of illustration, graphic design, weaving, and figurative painting in her repertoire, Grace constructs art that explores and reflects human connections. Inspired by her parents’ journey from South Sudan, the memories of their past, and their dreams for her future, she uses her pieces as a bridge that binds their story, finding balance in human emotions and tradition. Statement - My artistic narrative is a dance between the ephemeral and the eternal – a reflection on the mutability of the human experience. I tread the line between traditional and digital realms, blurring the boundaries of these disparate domains. The digital form allows for reproducibility and accessibility while the physical, confronts us with its inevitable decay. This duality underscores my creative process. A fascination with collage art and its historical feminist implications further informs my artistic journey. The female figures in my work, steeped in symbolism from Nilotic mythology, echo powerful stories from the Nile River inhabitants, handed down through generations, including from my mother to me. However, my work is also shaped by personal challenges. While themes in my work may delve into serious or even somber territories, my creative process, ignited by my attention deficit disorder, infuses a playful and experimental dimension that challenges and complements these themes. My art becomes a dialogue between introspection and outward expression, resilience and vulnerability, past and present, ultimately interpreting my multidimensional human experience. RUBY CROMER Minneapolis, Minnesota · Age 25 Biography - Ruby Cromer is a photographer from Minneapolis making still lifes and self-portraits that ruminate on illness and investigate the power dynamics of patient care. Forced to abandon painting because of a changing hand disability, she moved to photography and received her BFA from the University of Minnesota. Recent group exhibitions include DESTROY THE GAP at Bowling Green State University, the bed beside me at Fresh Eye Gallery, and Booting Up at Chronically Online Gallery. Cromer’s work has also been published in WMN and Sinister Wisdom. RubyCromer.com Statement - As a “medical impersonator” experimenting with gendered tropes of medical providers in my self-portraiture, I aim to disrupt the power dynamics between photographer and subject and reveal the parallel dynamics in the American medical system that harm both medical workers and patients. I have a particular interest in using self-portraiture to critique the expectation of self-surveillance placed on disabled people and to investigate the elements of performance both in how I navigate an ableist medical system and in the system itself. My work engages with the double-edged privilege of passing or masking—as straight and gender conforming, GRACE FISHER Santa Barbara, California · Age 25 Biography - Grace Fisher was raised in Santa Barbara, California where she embraced music at a young age. At age 17, she developed a rare neurological disease, Acute Flaccid Myelitis, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down. Following Grace’s diagnosis, she discovered mouth painting and music composition and graduated from UCSB with a BA in music composition. She now is an award-winning composer and artist passionate about bringing the arts to other individuals with disabilities. Her physical limitations demand a different approach, but she has embraced a new mantra: “My only limitation will be my imagination.” Statement - My artform is painting and music composition. I like to combine the two when possible because I think the two artforms can be transformative and expressive in a deeply emotional construct. My painting process is usually a scene in nature or landscape that inspires me with color and beauty. I enjoy revealing textures and colors to give the artwork life. I often imagine it in movement, even though I am capturing an instant or a moment of reflection. Sometimes I hear music when I experience my painting and have composed music and given some of my painting animation to tell a larger story or communicate a profound experience. Most of my paintings are inspired by things that are around me, celebrating and connecting with the world in my own experience. AL GATTA Flushing, New York · Age 21 Biography - Al Gatta is a visual artist and painter born and raised in New York City. Motivated by their experiences living with a chronic neuropsychiatric illness, they primarily make work that attends to notions of bodily autonomy in the contemporary age and the evolving relationship between tech and humanity. Al has exhibited work at the CUE Art Foundation and more recently at the Westbeth Gallery in NYC. They are currently working towards a BFA in Painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. When not in school they live and work in NYC. Statement - The experience of my limbs moving on their own, my back arching when I want it to be straight, hearing my vocal cords make whimpers and cries in an otherwise quiet room and my own resulting discomfort forces me to consider the point of view of others watching me twitch and writhe. Despite the pain these movements cause, much of the difficulty I face is in information space. The disabled body is in a constant state of surveillance, not by CCTV but by every person who encounters it. I take up more metaphysical space, I inhabit a larger sphere of influence because I cannot be discreet. My brain, which often gets separated from the force that is me and from the body we inhabit, won’t process information correctly and so that information gets expressed as a movement. It leaves the realm of electric signals for a brief moment before being re-coded into someone’s memory, or if they’re so inclined, the internet. My work deals with this transfer of information and seeks to externalize the experience of lost control. Building off of the electric aspect of this experience, I utilize abstraction and imagery associated with science fiction as modes through which I can scrutinize codes of conduct, and what it means for someone’s existence to subvert them. Within my work sweeping forms reminiscent of plants or ancient life-forms are combined with computational and medical equipment to draw connections between the body, digital technology, and the records both leave behind. SOPHIA GIBBINS New York, New York · Age 18 Biography - Currently in her freshman year of college, Sophia Gibbins is a multicultural born and raised New Yorker. At 16 she was hospitalized for extreme stomach pain and diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Crohn’s Disease. While accepting the idea of a lifelong illness posed challenges, facing the lack of awareness around chronic illness in her community was its own unique hurdle. People often reacted with discomfort, tiptoeing around her illness which led her to stop bringing it up in conversation. She saw the opportunity of using her art to encourage conversation and at six feet tall her artwork is impossible to ignore. Her artwork facilitates a dialogue that not only helps her share her experience but connects her with others going through similar struggles bringing to life a community in which she feels a sense of belonging. Statement - My artistic process is steeped in experimentation, an ever-changing hunt for the perfect materials to tell my story. I was taught only to use paper and canvas as the foundation for my art. When I relinquished that idea, I saw potential for art all around me. Suddenly wood, old books, mirrors, glass, fabric and even paper plates became inspiration for me to create. Unconventional materials help me better tell my story by providing a richer canvas. Instead of working on a blank surface, I seek out materials that already have character in texture or pattern. I examine how I can transform the natural associations we have with these materials into themes for my work. By connecting my artwork to the material’s origin, I intertwine various themes to create a cohesive work. JOHN GROVES Woodbine, New Jersey · Age 24 Biography - John Groves (they/she/he) is a 24-year-old lens-based artist. They are a recent graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography and related media. Their current practice revolves around the relationship glitch media has with chronic illness and ableism within society. As a chronically ill artist themselves, they question where and how the body exists within society. Through sculpture, installation, and lens-based work they create pieces that make the viewer reflect on the body and how it exists within medical spaces. They currently work a day job as a barista to support their art practice and create work on their days off. Statement - My current body of work centers around exploring the chronically ill experience through glitch art and multimedia pieces. Using lens-based mediums, I aim to examine the implications of owning a body and the resulting societal/institutional consequences, particularly through glitch art. The process itself allows space to challenge conventional notions of “brokenness” and embrace existence in all its forms. Through glitch art, I create space to question how society perceives and interacts with chronically ill/injured bodies, while also exploring my personal experiences. My goal is to prompt viewers to question how they examine their own bodies and to encourage them to consider why medical institutions exist as they do. Through my work, I aim to spark introspection and critical thinking about how a body is examined and the societal implications of medical institutions. PINS LEESE Lorton, Virginia · Age 20 Biography - Benjamin “Pins” Leese is a comic book artist and illustrator, graduating from Bowling Green State University this spring. His dedication to ink illustration has garnered widespread recognition and a devoted fan base of over 70,000 online followers. With a passion for storytelling that transcends the boundaries of traditional comic art, Pins has carved out a unique niche in the world of sequential art. His work is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the craft, as he deftly weaves narratives and visual aesthetics into captivating and thought-provoking illustrations. Pins is an active participant in the art community, recently working an internship at Gallery Underground in Arlington. He serves as a gallery artist, collaborating with Uniting US Arts to curate and present exhibitions in the vibrant arts scene of Washington, D.C. Statement - I am an illustrator specializing in comic book art and narrative design with a focus on ink and marker materials. My work serves as a commentary on modern socialization through metaphors of anthropomorphic animals. These animals contextualize interactions through mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism which mirrors the relationships individuals have as they encounter more people. My art explores themes of sonder, confronting mortality, and nostalgic inspirations. The works of artists like Art Spiegelman and Will Eisner have significantly inspired my character design, shading techniques, and overall layout. My artistic goal is to tell stories through my art that move people on a personal level, showcasing the epitome of what it means to be human through the means of cartoon animals. SANTIAGO LÓPEZ San Diego, California · Age 21 Biography - Growing up in San Diego and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, art became López’s way of speaking up and finding purpose. An illustrator and storyteller he works to start conversations around the intersections of his Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Latinx identity. His art sheds light on social justice themes to spark dialogue about our shared humanity. López just completed his Associates Degree in Studio Art at San Diego City College with plans to continue his art education. His work has been featured in publications, won awards and exhibited at places like the California Center for the Arts, Centro Cultural de la Raza and the Nickelodeon Gallery. Statement - Art is storytelling and I use visual metaphors and symbols to communicate ideas. To spark a shift and flip the script, my work searches for hidden narratives that whisper beneath the surface. Mindful that every angle brings depth and meaning to the story, I’m driven to explore diverse perspectives. Fusing traditional tools with digital media, I blend imagery with textures crafted by hand or photographed like peeling paint or windswept sand. My work is a dialogue about what makes us human, the shared struggles and dreams that define our lives. Starting conversations around the intersections of my ASD and Latinx identity, my art is both a reflection and invitation to an inclusive world. NICOLE MATTICK St. Petersburg, Florida · Age 25 Biography - As a senior Graphic Design student at USF, I am passionate about creating meaningful art that makes an impact. Though I was born with cerebral palsy and faced physical challenges, I never let it stop me from pursuing my dreams and living life to the fullest. Alongside my studies, spending time with my friends and family is also an important part of my life. Whether it’s our late-night dinner debates about music or exploring local art shows for inspiration, I cherish these moments as they help me grow both personally and creatively. Through my work, I strive to create designs that not only look beautiful but also carry a strong message that inspires and connects with people on a deeper level. Statement - As an artist, I believe that creativity is a powerful tool for expressing emotions, ideas, and messages. My work reflects my personal experiences, memories, and observations of the world around me living as disabled person. I am constantly inspired by nature, music, and the people I meet on my travels. My goal is to create art that captures the essence of these experiences and evokes an emotional response in the viewer. I work primarily with digital graphics and physical mixed media, such as acrylic paint, experimenting with texture and color to create depth and dimension in my pieces. I am drawn to bright, bold colors and contrasting elements that create a sense of movement and energy. My work often features abstract shapes and patterns, layered with imagery and text that convey a deeper meaning. As an artist, I am committed to pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and exploring new techniques and styles. I believe that art has the power to inspire change and I hope that my work can make a positive impact on the world. CAMARI MICHAEL Jackson, Mississippi · Age 23 Biography - I am a 23-year-old designer and multidisciplinary artist with albinism. I grew up in the small southern city of Jackson, Mississippi. Over the years, I garnered many skills within the realm of performance art. I learned sound design, stage management, dramaturgy, costume design, and set design. The culmination of these experiences helped me to figure out what path to eventually take as a career. After exploring these disciplines, I began my secondary education at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I would branch out and further my creative expertise while building the foundation to start my own jewelry business, Biting Bat Collection. Statement - Biting Bat Collection is a jewelry project that seeks to reimagine accessories and promote radical self-acceptance through wearable art. I create extravagantly elegant and complex art pieces with the love and boundless creativity that has existed within me since childhood. The way I make jewelry is akin to how I choose to live my everyday life- slow and with intent. I love to make everything I wear and share it with others. I find most value and beauty in items that have been crafted by hand, rather than mass-produced and rushed, which is why I continue to create my pieces. JESS SCHWARZ Lawrenceburg, Indiana · Age 22 Biography - Jess Schwarz, a 22-year-old LGBTQ+ interdisciplinary artist, now calls Pittsburgh home. A recent graduate, they are a glass studio technician apprentice at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, blending artistic passion with hands-on expertise. Hailing from the Appalachian foothills, their journey of self-discovery began when they left home at 15. Pursuing a BFA in Art History at the Columbus College of Art & Design, Jess’s academic excellence allowed them to connect their love for art with scholarly inquiry, offering catharsis and a medium to share their unique experience. As an artist with autism and physical disabilities, their work sparks dialogues challenging misconceptions and fostering unity and understanding among differing perspectives. Jess aspires to become a practicing artist and technician, advocating for inclusion and embracing differences. Statement - My artistic process seamlessly intertwines my life experiences as an Appalachian LGBTQ+ individual with disabilities. It’s a deliberate exploration of the unconventional, blurring the boundary between humor and contemplation while shedding light on often overlooked voices. As an autistic person, navigating the complexities of communication, I wield language as both a tool and symbol, abstracting it to mirror daily barriers. My unorthodox journey bridges diverse worlds, using silicone, latex, and plastic to symbolize the alienation I’ve encountered in conformist society, inviting dialogue and guiding viewers toward uncharted terrain, fostering reflection. Beyond my personal journey, I ignite societal discussions, conveying my story through visual language, prompting contemplation of the elusive boundaries surrounding disability. In both academia and art, my unconventional path serves as a bridge, celebrating perseverance and adaptability. SARAH SIMMONS Laurinburg, North Carolina · Age 22 Biography - Sarah Simmons, a North Carolina lens-based artist, draws inspiration from the natural world and her lived experiences. Through the manipulation of imagery, she creates art about living with neuromuscular disease and the barriers that accompany advocating for equal access in all facets of life. A summa cum laude graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in photography, Simmons is currently pursuing an MFA in Photography at SCAD with hopes of becoming a professor. Her desire to teach at the college level grew out of her wonderful learning experiences there where she fell in love with the art of critique and the philosophy of aesthetics, where the power of a good education was realized after experiencing education-based discrimination throughout high school. Simmons also aspires to work with nonprofit organizations for artists with disabilities, giving back to the community that has embraced her, helping others find their light and voices through art as she has found hers. Statement - As a lens-based artist, I draw inspiration from the natural world’s cycle of life and death. Through multiple exposures layered with medical imaging, medical aids, and patterns from nature, the work highlights invisible symptoms and alludes to genetic information only attainable on a microscopic or cellular level. The domestic objects in the works reflect the isolation of the everyday, and mirror the feelings I experience living with neuromuscular disease and advocating for equal rights. By relating back to a simpler way of living, depictions demonstrate the external effects of physical disability, the need for therapies from infancy to prosper, the cost of medical care, and the financial impact it has on families. Most of all, I create to push forward the depiction of disability in art to redefine what it means to be disabled, promote inclusion and awareness through visual communication, and educate viewers who would otherwise be uninformed. CELESTE TOOTH Baltimore, Maryland · Age 23 Biography - Celeste Tooth (they/them) is a 23-year-old non-binary lesbian. Their fine art practice centers primarily on their Disabled identity and the disability community. Upcoming shows include Opulent Mobility and their first solo show The Body Out of Motion which opens in April 2024. Recent publications include Beloved Zine and Look Deeper Zine. Their work in Drawn Poorly is archived at the Wellcome Collection Museum in London. Tooth is also engaged in disability justice advocacy work in various contexts including being selected as a France-Merrick Fellow working with artists at Make Studio Baltimore, a Transform Mid-Atlantic Civic Fellow, a Covid Safe Campus Ambassador, and a Diversity Coordinator at Maryland Institute College of Art’s Office of Culture and Identity. They are currently working as head curator on their third exhibition centering Disabled artists in Baltimore. Their commentary on ableism has been featured in magazines such as Hyperallergic, Xtra Magazine, and The Art Newspaper. They are a senior at Maryland Institute College of Art in the BFA Interdisciplinary Sculpture Program with a humanistic studies minor in Gender Studies and an arts minor in Illustration. Statement - My work chronicles my lived experience with disability and queerness through semi-abstract references to systems within the body. I utilize metal fabrication, wood working, mold making\casting, and digital fabrication to bring those ideas into the 3D world. I heavily reference –and in turn become part of– the longstanding tradition of utilizing art as a means of protest within disability culture. Much of my work revolves around subversion in reverencing the discarded abject body. Often referencing the “Ugly Laws” —a historical discriminatory ableist practice in the US— and their lingering impact today, my sculptures are a discussion of the right to belong. MARIS VAN VLACK Mansfield, Massachusetts · Age 21 Biography - Maris Van Vlackgrew up in Massachusetts surrounded by the historical textiles practices in the Boston area and the quiet beauty of the New England forested habitats. Her time studying at the Rhode Island School of Design in the Textile Department’s BFA program with a Drawing minor has taught her to intertwine ways of making and think critically about what inspires her textiles work. She is primarily a fiber artist, constructing surfaces using weaving techniques that are then layered with drawn marks and coats of pigment. Her work centers around deep and spatial compositions imitating the landscape that comes through the layering processes. Statement - Maris Van Vlack is an interdisciplinary artist whose work bridges fiber art and painting practices. Using traditional textile techniques, she constructs tactile images that reference landscapes from the past. She builds up surfaces by handweaving panels of fabric thread by thread, slowly constructing surfaces that trap memory and history in the sedimentary process. She then layers drawn, painted, and stitched marks on the woven surface to simultaneously reveal and obscure atmospheric imagery that depict spaces and architecture from her family’s history that have been lost with time. Her work is a window through which to see layers of time and memory, depicting the space that exists between the past and the present.

Are you interested in providing exciting and dynamic VSA programs at your cultural institution? Access/VSA Program Sites Are you interested in providing exciting and dynamic Access/VSA programs in your community? Requests for Contract Proposals If you have experience, knowledge, and expertise working with students with disabilities pre-kindergarten through grade 12, y ou could become an Access/VSA Program Site! The Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility and VSA seeks arts, education, and cultural organizations to provide accessible, arts-based education experiences to students with disabilities. Organizations are invited to submit proposals to implement the following Access/VSA Programs: Access/VSA Arts Connect All — Workshop/Residency Program Access/VSA Media Arts Discovery Program Access/VSA Theater Discovery Program Access/VSA Visual Arts Discovery Program Access/VSA Museum Access for Kids Program Access/VSA Performing Arts Access for Kids Program Access/VSA EZ Program These are Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Programs. Proposal Submission Deadline: March 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET Notification: Selected contract recipients will be notified by June 30, 2025 Program Implementation Period: October 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026 Learn more about these Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Programs at kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/become-a-vsa-program-site/ . Eligible and qualified organizations are required to sub mit contract proposals online by the deadline to be considered for a program site. Eligible organization may submit proposals to a maximum of 2 (two) different 2025-2026 Access/VSA Requests of Contract Proposals, but the Kennedy Center will issue a contract offer for no more than 1 (one) proposal per eligible organization.

Engage with your Access/VSA Network members through community forums, e-lists, and more! Community Events Let's get together! Join your colleagues for topical, informal chats about arts and culture, accessibility, and more. Our monthly Afternoon Teas and After-Work Happy Hours are virtual spaces where you can connect with others who share your passion for arts and culture, and your desire to make the world more inclusive. Attend one or attend both – you’ll be sure to come away energized, and with new ideas! Afternoon Teas and Happy Hours are an exclusive benefit of Access/VSA Network membership. You must be signed in to register for in these events. Register for Community Events View Full Events Calendar View a List of Upcoming Events

Biographies and artist statements for the Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists 2025 Winners. 2025 Emerging Young Artists Catalyst is the 21st exhibition presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program. This national art career development program and exhibition features fifteen artists with disabilities, ages 16-25. Each artist’s unique talent, mode of expression, and view of the world is highlighted and valued. With this exhibition, we aim to amplify the work of artists with disabilities throughout the United States, positioning them to broaden our understanding of disability and the arts. This year’s theme, Catalyst , invites artists to explore how the intersection of their art and their disability identity sparks something new. As you view the work and learn more about these incredible young artists, we hope it ignites new perspectives for you. ABOUT ACCESS/VSA EMERGING YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM Our programs for artists with disabilities shape the future of the arts. The Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program amplifies the voices of emerging visual artists through career development and professional empowerment. This national juried exhibition seeks artwork that demonstrates the excellence and important perspectives of artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, residing in the United States. Fifteen artists each receive a $3,000 award, engage in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center, and have their submitted work featured in an exhibition. Learn more at kennedy-center.org/emergingyoungartists The contents of this program and its exhibition were developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this exhibition may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this exhibition does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. See the Exhibition The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. Jun 20, 2025 through Jul 27, 2025 2025 Winners: Amy Jacques Angelica Jones Austen Maybee Cathleen Luo CJ Hutchings Delia Preston Ellery Thompson Joseph Roach Kendrell Daniels Luke Cooper Madi Snow-Gould Nana-Tawi Bey Rebecca Panos Schuyler Dragoo Sophia Pineda Amy Jacques Kissimmee, FL · Age 17 Biography - Amy Jacques is a 17-year-old artist who was born with sickle cell disease, her condition has shaped her perspective on life and art. As a kid her peers had misconceptions about her disease, assuming it was contagious, they avoided her, leaving her alone in isolation. So, at an early age drawing became her way to cure her loneliness and communicate feelings too complex for words. Her chronic illness makes her body unpredictable, and art was the way she regained control and embodied her life. The process of creating is therapeutic for her, and she hopes to transform her pain and resilience into something that others will be able to relate to. In college, she hopes to study art history, and intends to use her degree to help others find their own voices through creative expression. Statement - My artwork is deeply personal and influenced by living with sickle cell disease and the complexities of having a chronic illness. It allows me to convey things that are not easily expressed in words. Much of my work revolves around themes such as pain, strength, and identity and captures both the adversity and resilience that exist within them. I tend to work with charcoal and colored pencils because their immediacy and texture allow me to channel emotion directly onto the page, capturing both the weight and nuance of what I am trying to express. My artwork is not just something that I do, it’s an integral part of who I am, art is how I cope with pain, emotion, and experiences too much to bear. Through sharing my story, I want to start discussions around disability, chronic illness, and how art can help connect those that may not share the same experiences. If my work can make one person hesitate, consider, or feel something differently, then I know I am doing what I am meant to do. Headshot photo by Amy Jacques Angelica Jones Baltimore, MD/High Point, NC · Age 21 Biography - Angelica Jones is a multidisciplinary portraiture-based artist currently based in Baltimore, Maryland. Her approach to portraits is inspired by drag, Black Southern aesthetics, and the process of finding queer connections in digital spaces. She grew up in High Point, North Carolina surrounded by a tight-knit community emphasizing ancestry and spirituality. Her work has often served as an open archive where she documents feelings and experiences of her community on and off-line. Her work has been featured in shows across Night Owl Gallery in Baltimore, Maryland, the United States Capitol Building, and most recently, a solo show in Fred Lazarus IV Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She is currently studying at Maryland Institute College of Art in pursuit of a BFA in Painting and, while not in school, is an educator with Summer Arts for Learning and a Gallery Assistant at Make Studio. Statement - Through the use of textured surfaces and vibrant mediums, I create images that call into question the conventions of representation and beauty. I collect tender, vulnerable, and visceral moments from my communities’ lives and magnify them through an exaggerated lens inspired by Club-Kids, Afro-Futurism, and my own Southern upbringing. My work places relaxed and authentic Black figures onto objects like scrap wood and found fabric. I paint on “found objects” that carry with them deep histories, experiences, and energies. The haze of chalk pastels, the vibrancy of acrylic, the grit of oil pastel all come together within my work to aid in creating complex narratives around interpersonal dynamics, marginalization, and poverty. My work is an open archive, capturing images of nightlife, domestic scenes, and family photos. Used in conjunction with neon glazes to highlight the way nostalgia, escapism, and trauma can distort experiences/memory. This divergence from reality is meant to act as a consistent reminder to myself and viewers to envision a world beyond these struggles. Headshot photo by Jordan Carter Austen Maybee Boulder, CO · Age 17 Biography - Austen Maybee works in both digital and traditional forms, including illustration, painting, and design. In their digital art, they freely experiment with the canvas, playing with placement and scale. For example, Doodle Diaries is a series of densely-placed monochromatic drawings, reminiscent of a coloring book, where viewers can zoom into the detailed elements. Austen’s traditional work showcases the organic and singular nature of illustration and painting. For example, in their painting: Kitten Dreams , soft shading and layers of colorful oil paint evoke the warm fuzzy sensation of holding a kitten. Austen finds physical work particularly rewarding because there is only one copy. Austen is a high school senior in Boulder, Colorado, and spends their time fostering kittens and going on walks when they’re not drawing. Austen plans to make art into their full time career after attending art college. Statement - My piece Kitten Dreams was one of my first oil paintings. I was inspired by my foster kittens and how I watched them become more adept at socializing and less fearful of humans. It depicts a version of me with two of my favorite foster kittens, ‘Mikey’ and ‘Sugarplum.’ My artistic process was to apply my digital rendering techniques using oil painting. As I worked on the piece, it took a lot of experimentation and revisions to render the image I had envisioned. Headshot photo by Jenny Maybee Cathleen Luo New York, NY · Age 24 Biography - Cathleen “Cat” Luo (they/them) graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor’s in Visual Arts and Creative Writing and is a Museum Educator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They have exhibited in group shows at Field Projects, The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s staff show, Bethany Arts Community, and FABnyc. Luo was awarded the Asian American Arts Alliance’s What Can We Do grant to carry out community art programming in Manhattan’s Chinatown during Asian American Heritage Month as a way to share their practice and serve the public. They have also received The Color Network’s Studio Grant, CERF+’s Get Ready Grant, SICK Magazine’s Microgrant for Disabled Sculptors in 2023, and is currently in the Powerhouse Artist Subsidy Program. They have been interviewed for Ratrock Magazine and featured in publications including The Columbia Review and SICK Magazine. Statement - As a sculptor and educator, I explore themes of modern spirituality. I reappropriate surrealist techniques to reclaim the term “queer” by distorting my figures beyond anatomical accuracy to question how a body is a container for complicated histories and contemplation. Drawing on Chinese Buddhist iconography, my meditative pieces unite my communities through their installation presence in my curated people-centered performances. My work delves into the term “alien” which is legally defined as individuals who are not citizens: foreign(ed) bodies. Beyond a personal exploration of my experiences of alienation from society and self, my work validates marginalized experiences and works toward collective healing. By embracing the aesthetic of the uncanny/unheimlich, my art creates a space that honors Otherness. Clay empowers me to work with my hands as a person with a visual disability. My sculptures are experienced through touch, and I often host touch tours of my pieces, inspired by my work as an educator for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Access Programs where I teach Seeing Through Drawing. My art process aims to represent a psychological truth for people like myself; my figures are in process, balancing precariously, deeply human, yet aware of their eternal performance in stillness. Headshot photo by Rommel Nunez CJ Hutchings Birmingham, AL · Age 17 Biography - Catherine “CJ” Hutchings is a mixed media visual artist dedicated to promoting neurodiversity awareness through their energetic, cartoonish rabbit characters. The experience of living with ASD, ADHD, and GAD has fueled CJ’s passion to make autobiographical portrayals of their own struggles for over five years. As they graduate from the Visual Arts program at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, AL, CJ aspires to continue their current work whilst pursuing further education in neurological differences to simultaneously support their community and develop a deeper self-understanding. Statement - There is no way I can describe my perspective without my neurodivergence. Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder are fundamental and permanent parts of my identity. I struggle to communicate my true perspective to others, which has led me to use “rabbit-like” characters to represent my complex experience. Through layered, life-size cardboard illustrations adapted from quick, fervent doodles enhanced with vibrant painted colors and sketchy detailing, I confront misconceptions of neurodivergent people and inspire others like me to reflect on their own challenges. Headshot photo by Celeste Pfau Delia Preston Madison, NJ · Age 21 Biography - Delia Preston (she/they) is an interdisciplinary artist with a focus in painting and photography. Her work is heavily influenced by her Deaf experiences and education in disability theory and history. Having grown up in a primarily hearing world with little representation, her pieces prioritize and center D/deaf and disabled subjects. By doing so, she hopes to engage audiences in conversation about D/deafness and disability. Delia is currently completing a BA in Studio Art at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. When not there, she is home with her family and two dogs in Madison, New Jersey. Statement - Legacy of A.G. Bell confronts the impact of eugenics on the Deaf community, especially how this history led to the development of hearing devices intended to “cure” deafness. I photograph my friend, Amé, another Deaf person, and center her agency in determining how deafness and hearing devices are perceived. Overlaying her face is a projection of Alexander Graham Bell’s “Upon the Formation of a Deaf Variety of the Human Race,” a text detailing the threats of deafness to humanity and how to eliminate deafness. Despite these threats, D/deaf people still thrive in a world that prefers to erase deafness. Headshot photo by Delia Preston Ellery Thompson Lousiville, KY · Age 25 Biography - Ellery Tye Thompson is a painter born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. Her work examines questions of uncertainty and the fluidity of absence and presence. In 2021, she received a degree in Art and Art History with a minor in Interdisciplinary Writing from Occidental College. In 2024, she graduated with a Master’s in painting from the LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting at Maryland Institute College of Art. Her work has been exhibited in Baltimore, Maryland; Louisville, kentucky; and Los Angeles, California. In November of 2024, she attended a residency at Vermont Studio Center. Her work has been published in New American Painting’s MFA issue 171 and Friend of the Artist volume 19. She currently lives and works in Louisville, Kentucky. www.ellerythompson.com Statement - Chronic disease and disability create a flickering state of being. I want to use this state, like John Keats’ concept of Negative Capability, to dwell fully within uncertainty. Within all my paintings, ambiguity and fragility are situated within the figures and the world surrounding them. My figures exist like nosebleeds or tears, exiting their bodies and pushing into and out of their environment in ways they shouldn’t. Figurines, dolls, and toys become objects for meaning and narrative to be placed on. Sickness creates a need for fiction, a need to explore other worlds during the time when it’s impossible to be fully present in the everyday world. These objects waver between their dime-store cheapness and the sentimental attachment and meaning that can be projected onto them. The figurines hesitate between motion and stillness; they feel moveable but not necessarily mobile. Animation of the inanimate questions formation, the process of something coming into being, and the ability for something to be altered or tainted before it’s fully formed. Within these spaces, toys and animals intermix with themes of athletics and exercise. I’m exploring how motion and stillness disrupt and transcend our perception of time, how athletes need to care for their bodies, mimicking the relationship sick people have to theirs, and the role observation and stillness have in watching sports. The way we use our bodies in daily life, the way our bodies allow themselves to be used, alters our experience of time and motion. Headshot photo by Adam Brennan Joseph Roach Manheim, PA · Age 24 Biography - Joseph Roach is a self-taught abstract artist from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Known for bold pen and ink pieces where every line is precise, purposeful, and inspired by nature, he sees the world in vivid shapes and colors. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Joseph was a bright spark in a system that couldn’t see his light. Art tells his story. Joseph has exhibited at the Pennsylvania Capitol, raised funds for the Eagles Autism Foundation and other charities, and built a résumé that reflects both grit and grace. Now, as he writes his memoir, “Finding Joseph’s Many Colors,” he continues proving his disability is his ability. Follow Joseph Roach on Facebook. Statement - My colorful, precise, and detailed pen-on-paper art is a testament to a journey that has never been easy. From the moment I was overlooked in school—my potential ignored, my needs unmet—I was placed in the background. But every piece of my art tells a different story. It reflects the resilience, strength, and power I always had within me, despite the lack of support to help me fully evolve into who I am today. Through my award-winning art, I refuse to let past rejection or low expectations define me. I’ve learned this: it’s not enough to just look back. I refuse to stay stuck in the past. Instead, I’ve chosen to create beauty from my pain, to turn that struggle into purpose. That’s what sets a life of mediocrity apart from a life of meaning. I don’t just choose a life with purpose—I create it. One pen stroke, one story, one dream at a time. I am Significantly Joe. I am Joseph James Roach. I am different, and I embrace that difference. I move in a world of shapes and colors. I see things through a unique lens—and that is my gift. To those who feel overlooked, to parents and caregivers of children with special needs: walk this journey with me. Let’s refuse to let a lack of understanding silence us. Together, we can be the beautiful, powerful individuals we were always meant to be. Headshot photo by Mary Ellen Wright Kendrell Daniels Starkville, MS · Age 25 Biography - Kendrell Daniels is a multidisciplinary artist who explores identity, resilience, and accessibility through photography, video, and painting. He combines technical innovation with emotional depth, creating self-portraits, documentary images, and expressive visual narratives that challenge societal perceptions and invite more inclusive ways of seeing. Daniels photographs using a custom-mounted camera on his wheelchair and paints using his feet, integrating his physical perspective into both his process and vision. His subject matter ranges from intimate, personal work to broader social themes and sports photography. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Mississippi State University, with minors in Film Studies and Art History, and is based in Starkville, Mississippi. Statement - My work is rooted in storytelling—emotional, honest, and deeply felt. Whether through photography, video, or painting, I create images that reflect healing, resilience, and identity. I am drawn to moments carrying emotional weight—quiet expressions, physical tension, spiritual symbols- and I use my work to create space for those feelings to be seen. Born without arms, I photograph using a camera mounted to my wheelchair and paint with my feet, developing methods that give me full control over my creative process. These adaptations help form my independence, which allows me to create on my terms. I believe art is a way to reflect what’s often unspoken and to make space for truth, both mine and others. I’m not interested in perfection or performance. I’m interested in honesty. Through my exploration, I hope to open a window into deeper emotional landscapes and invite viewers to slow down, reflect, and feel. Headshot photo by Kendrell Daniels Luke Cooper Blacklick, OH · Age 19 Biography - Luke’s work has been featured in several prominent exhibitions including the Cincinnati Museum of Art, Massillon Art Museum, Springfield Art Museum, and Franklin Park Conservatory Art Gallery. With a mature colour palette, Luke’s painting style is versatile and sophisticated, rendered with a calm resolve, and an ease that belies his busy life as both artist and college student. “Art has become my sanctuary and means of self-expression, enabling me to communicate complex emotions that are sometimes difficult to articulate. The ability to hyperfocus while creating has been invaluable in capturing the intricate details within my work.” Statement - My creative inspiration is drawn from a variety of sources, including humor, moments of epiphany, self-reflection, architecture, and nature. Whenever something captivates my attention, I capture it through photography and later reinterpret it on canvas. Painting is often accompanied by listening to informative podcasts, which further fuels my creative process. I am particularly influenced by Impressionism, a movement that encourages viewers to appreciate both the overall composition and intricate details. This influence is evident in my “Garden” series, where finger-tapped textures and blended colors create vibrant, organic landscapes. I am naturally drawn to shapes, curves, and fluid forms, which also manifest in my self-portraits. Headshot photo by Kent Smith Photography Madi Snow-Gould Waco, TX · Age 25 Biography - Madi Snow-Gould (she/her) is a fiber artist living in Waco, Texas. Disabled by several chronic illnesses, Madi picked up weaving six years ago to pass her time in bed and found a deep love for the medium. She studied social work at Baylor University and is self-taught in her artistic practice. Her work is characterized by bright color, maximalist texture, thoughtfully sourced materials, and aesthetic abundance. Snow-Gould is a proud disabled woman, and the transformative liberation of her experiences in community with other disabled people is the engine of her life and art. When she’s not getting weird with yarn, Madi works part-time doing research for the Baylor Collaborative on Faith and Disability. You can view her work on Instagram @confetti.weaves, or online at confettiweaves.com. Statement - My artistic tastes have been primarily shaped by my experience with chronic pain. I think absurd goodness brings balance against the absurdity of unresolvable pain, and I pursue that in color, texture, and material choice. Many people have only learned to conceptualize disability as a kind of flat tragedy, when of course it is so much more. I know the landscape of disability to be lush with resilience, joy, community, and possibility. With that in mind, I engage dimension and bright color to explore a complex, countercultural vision of disability. My work is an invitation to disabled people to celebrate their particularity, and a challenge to nondisabled people to reimagine what they believe about different bodies. Headshot photo by Madi Snow-Gould Nana-Tawi Bey Bowie, MD · Age 22 Biography - Nana-Tawi (he/she) is a 22-year-old, disabled, Black lesbian. Their art practice primarily consists of digital animation and illustration, as those are the mediums more accessible to them. Their endeavors feature a creative entrepreneurial fellowship at Maryland Institute College of Art, an officer of Student Animators for Inclusion, and exhibition of their artworks in “Unmasked,” a disabled art showcase. They also have in previous years had their work showcased in the District of Columbia Public Library’s, “Know Your Power,” social justice focused art contest. Statement - Maryland based animator, illustrator, and sequential artist Nana-Tawi, is heavily inspired by the magical realism that we lose sight of as adults. Their work is heavily influenced by classic emotionally driven narrative animations such as The Lion King, they also draw inspiration from the warm, textured colors, magic that mists the air, and wonder provided by older animation like Kipper the Dog. They create because it allows them to romanticize the little things in life, and channel their perspective of disability into something that resonates with others, so they can feel a little less alone. Nana-Tawi believes there’s magic everywhere, animation just makes it easier to see! Rebecca Panos Chicago, IL · Age 23 Biography - Rebecca Panos is an artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Her meticulously crafted pieces serve as reflections of the contemporary discord within her fragmented queer identity, bridging tradition with the contemporary. Panos was recently named a Fulbright Semi-Finalist for open research in Greece (2025-26). Recent exhibitions include: Landscapes of Ornamentation , Curated by Marie Catalano, Broadway Windows at NYU, NYC (2024); Hos-pes , Curated by Lila Nazemian, Commons & Rosenberg Gallery, NYC (2024); Traces: Archive as Practice , Curated by NYU VAA, Commons Gallery, NYC; Queer Knowing Curated by Blair Simmons at All Street Gallery, NYC (2023); To Darken, Lightly , Curated by Audra Lambert at LIC-A Art Space, Long Island City, New York (2023); Transversal: Where We Come From and Where We Are Going 80WSE Gallery, NYC (2023). Statement - In my practice, I delve into the rich tapestry of narrative—unraveling threads of ancestry, identity, and the stories woven between individuals. Rooted in the historically significant materials and mediums tied to domesticity and matrilineality, I merge the practical and the artistic. Weaving, sewing, and crocheting, skills passed down through my Greek lineage, serve as both mediums of creation and vessels for narratives. The concept of “home” reverberates throughout my work, whether anchored in a site or network, connecting the tangible with the intangible moments that shape an individual’s life. Whether exploring the complexities of emotional labor, translating people’s experiences into tangible artifacts, or delving into the nuances of personal and shared histories, my work aims to make every moment equally impactful. In my practice, duration is not merely a measure of time, but a reflective process. Through oral histories and fragmented self-narratives, I strive to capture life as a series of attempts—the intricacies, vulnerabilities, and the threads that bind us all together. My work becomes a diary of sorts, a first-person narrative that speaks to the labor of relationships present and passed down, echoes and imprints. Headshot photo by Rebecca Panos Schuyler Dragoo Brookline, MA · Age 23 Biography - Schuyler Dragoo is a Boston-based interdisciplinary artist working in experimental new media. Her research-driven practice explores how understanding is shaped through attempts at connection—especially across species boundaries, digital systems, and the edges of human perception. She composes original fiddle music and works across painting, sculpture, performance, and digital media to stage layered encounters with the unfamiliar. Her neurodivergent perspective shapes a practice attuned to complexity, care, and connection—inviting speculative empathy and new ways of relating across difference. She hopes her practice cultivates a way of being and witnessing with others—human and more-than-human—that begins in curiosity and leads not to answers, but to deeper forms of care and relation. Schuyler holds an MFA from the School of Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University and is pursuing an MA in Psychology at CCSU. She can be reached at schuylerdragoo.com. Statement - My work begins in the space between recognition and misrecognition—between gesture and meaning, movement and memory. I am drawn to the moment where something starts to take shape but resists full comprehension. Mimicry becomes a way of staying with that resistance—not to master it, but to be changed by proximity. I treat mimicry as a speculative practice: a method of relation rather than replication. It allows me to move alongside unfamiliar rhythms—those of geese, machines, bodies, or objects—not to become the same, but to become with. Co-presence becomes a form of relational research. As a neurodivergent artist, I move through systems that weren’t built for how I sense or make meaning. I linger in ambiguity and prioritize curiosity over clarity. My mimicry becomes a way of asking: What if this is something I haven’t learned how to see yet? I believe in forms of care that arise from slowness, from not-knowing, from sustained attention. To witness is already to be in relation. And sometimes, a gesture—imprecise, absurd, unfinished—is enough to begin. Headshot photo by Darcey Stone Sophia Pineda Fredericksburg, VA · Age 21 Biography - Sophia Pineda is a 21-year-old woman with Down syndrome who lives life out loud and in vibrant color. She has studied Chinese brushstroke and Sumi-e watercolor painting for several years. More recently, she’s begun to explore acrylic painting, pottery, and collages—as well as helping to create murals in her community. Sophia’s paintings have been displayed at the Chinese American Museum D.C. and the Artists4ERA campaign. She’s been the featured solo artist for shows at Capitol One headquarters, Children’s National Medical Center, the Pozez Jewish Community Center, the Fredericksburg Area Museum, and a forthcoming exhibit at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Statement - When asked to discuss her art, Sophia says, “Art makes me happy. I like feeling professional, proud, strong, and confident when I make art.” She sees the world as “full of wonderful and happy surprises.” In her view, “Art can show people how to be strong and how to treat others. Art can show you how to love.” She wants people to make friends with her art. Sophia takes pride in showing the greater world that people with an intellectual disability contribute a lot to their communities and can do great things when they have no limits and more opportunities. Headshot photo by Andre Pineda