SUNY Old Westbury Social and Environmental Justice Institute's (SEJI) Art Lab will host an art exhibition highlighting works by adults with autism, learning and development disabilities. In partnership with ACLD, the display includes various art forms including clay masks, jewelry, pottery, and 3D paper artwork. It will be on exhibit through December 15.
The concept came to life thanks to Emily Colwell, a 2023 Visual Arts graduate and Lead Arts Specialist at the ACLD Art Studio Program. Colwell reached out to Director of the Art Lab and Amelie A. Wallace Gallery Dr. Hyewon Yi to make it happen.
“The ACLD Art Studio is thrilled that SUNY Old Westbury was able to provide us a space for the art exhibit - our artists are excited for the support and visibility," said Colwell.
Of the partnership, Dr. Hyewon Yi said: “Providing an exhibition opportunity to these adults is part of our mission for social justice. I think this is a great project that engages the community, it is very touching and moving to see them reacting to their work on display.”
ACLD is a leading Long Island based not-for-profit organization, founded in 1957, whose mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with autism, and learning and developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, promote independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. Their Art Studio Program, started in 2019 to offer creativity, interest, expression, exploration, socialization, and growth in the arts to participants that attend adult day programs.