Join us for an artists reception on Saturday, June 22, for Cycles, an art exhibit of Vermont artists with disabilities at All Souls Church. The show is presented in partnership with Inclusive Arts Vermont, through August 31. The theme, CYCLES, emerged from community input, and the artwork expresses cycles of nature, of the body, mind, and spirit, as well as experiences of repetition, circular shapes, and more.
According to Heidi Swevens, IAV’s Director of Community Partnerships and Exhibition, the CYCLES exhibition “is more than art on the wall.” Accessibility is an integral part of the show. The venue is physically accessible, and the art and artists can be experienced remotely in the online tour. Each of the 27 pieces in CYCLES has verbal descriptions. Tactile representations and elements accompany selected works. Materials are available in multiple formats, including print, large print, Braille, audio tour, and digital formats.
Swevens adds, “Yes, the art is exciting and engaging. What I find equally compelling is the artists’ stories. The creative processes.” As CYCLES artist Leah Schulz shares: “For the last five years, I have been cycling, in and out, up and down, riding the waves of chronic illness… I have been socially, financially, and systematically removed from society… The only thing that tethered me to society is art. I leaned into a different side of my brain that I had never allowed myself to explore before and found I loved crochet, block printing, and painting. This is my first piece to be included in an art show. I am grateful to Inclusive Arts Vermont for giving me a way to exist in these places again.”
Disability representation matters. According to the CDC, nearly 25% of adults in Vermont have a disability. Beyond individuals, environments can be disabling too. The social model of disability points out external barriers that impact access and inclusion. Inclusive Arts Vermont has invited artists and partners to collaborate on accessibility features like verbal description, alternative print formats, and tactile elements to eliminate some known barriers. These features are part of the show itself. Through creativity and connection, the organizers hope that CYCLES will bring diverse perspectives of disability experience to increase community inclusion.
At the June 22 reception, Inclusive Arts Vermont will offer accessibility services including American Sign Language interpretation, Braille, large print, an audio tour, access for people with blindness and low vision, tactile elements, sensory items like noise canceling headphones, and a quiet room. Accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms are also available at the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church. Those with additional access requests are encouraged to contact Heidi Swevens at exhibitions@inclusiveartsvermont.org or (802) 556-3668.
The exhibition is on view at the West Village Meeting House, 29 South Street, up the hill from the West B fire station, West Brattleboro, Tuesdays, 10 am – 2 pm, Thursdays, 10 am – noon, Fridays, 10 am – 2 pm, and Sundays, 9:30 am – noon, and by appointment, allsoulsvtart@gmail.com or 802 254-9377. More info at ascvt.org/cycles or www.inclusiveartsvermont.org/exhibitions/cycles.
