2014 State VSA Arts RI Paul V Sherlock Memorial Art Exhibit at the Atrium Gallery

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts presents the "2014 State VSA Arts RI, Paul V Sherlock Memorial Art Exhibit" at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill. The exhibit, a partnership with VSA arts of Rhode Island and the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, features work by artists with disabilities.

Featuring 100 pieces of artwork created by VSA Arts RI’s statewide participating artists, this exhibit honors Paul Sherlock, a man who has had a significant impact on the community of people with disabilities throughout RI and celebrates his accomplishments by spotlighting the artistic talents of adult RI artists with a wide range of physical, cognitive and mental health disabilities.

During Paul Sherlock’s career as teacher, legislator and Director of Special Education his commitment as an advocate for people with disabilities transformed Rhode Island into becoming a place where exhibits such as this and the unseen work that takes place to assist the artist’s creative process are possible.

The artworks on display demonstrate a breadth of style and images, art that is as varied in method and expression as the life experiences of the individual artists; artworks demonstrating a rich and diverse backdrop for appreciating that it is not preconceived notions of what "disability" is that defines these artists but their passion for creating art.

VSA Arts Rhode Island is a statewide, nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to providing high quality programs through which children, youth, and adults with disabilities of all ethnic, racial, and economic levels enter the mainstream of the cultural community.

VSA Arts RI advocates that all people with disabilities should have complete access to community cultural facilities and activities. Through VSA Arts RI programs in the visual, literary, and performing arts provided in partnerships with cultural venues throughout the state people with and without disabilities actively enjoy the creative and educational benefits of the arts in integrated settings. VSA arts RI is the only agency in RI which exists solely for the purpose of providing opportunities in the arts by, with and for individuals with disabilities and serves over 40,000 Rhode Islanders each year.

Participating Artists: Group Exhibition

Partnerships: VSA Arts RI

Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts developed the Atrium Gallery to recognize artists from communities throughout the state. The Atrium Gallery hosts multidisciplinary exhibitions in partnership with diverse artists and cultural organizations. The Gallery features a stunning tall glass ceiling with light that cascades into an open space surrounded by three walls of artwork. This has become a destination point for visitors and the many people who frequent the administration offices at One Capitol Hill, while enriching the environment for hundreds of state workers in the building.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. To learn more visit www.arts.ri.gov