This October our member, posAbilities, will be hosting the INCLUSION Art Show & Sale in Vancouver for Community Inclusion Month. Beginning as a small exhibition 19 years ago, it has now grown to feature the work of over 200 artists with disabilities – becoming posAbilities’ signature event!
In-person show | Thursday, October 12, 2023, 10:30 am-7:30pm, Heritage Hall – 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
Online show | December 1-10, 2023
Visit the webpage for the INCLUSION Art Show & Sale here
Monique Nelson, Director of Community Engagement at posAbilities, reached out to us here at Inclusion BC about their amazing community event:
posAbilities is known for its commitment to the arts, and we do all that we can to promote disability arts and culture, which we believe is an effective way to break down social stigma.
We have two specialized arts programs in Vancouver: the Stage Door Theatre Troupe which meets in the lower level of Heritage Hall, and Alternative Creations Art Studio which is a gem that has been developed in the heart of the East Van arts district on Venables Street. Alternative Creations was transitioned from a social and recreational day program to a dedicated space for artists with diverse abilities. As hosts, we have a long-standing organizing committee that is responsible for all aspects of the art show. These contributions set the tone for a fabulous day of mixing, mingling, and sharing among artists and guests!
Take a peek at our 2022 show online here: INCLUSION Art Show & Sale Promo Video 2022 – YouTube
In addition to a mixed media show and sale, we incorporate live art demonstrations. This year, we will have four demos:
- Jemma Rezansoff, Sewing
- Margaux Wosk, Paint Markers with Acrylic
- Jessica Isaac, Acrylic Painting
- Marc Sears, Pottery Sculpture
This art show is not juried, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. To accommodate the ever-growing group of artists and in recognition of limited space, we have added an online art show, which will run on December 1-10, 2023. We are outgrowing our space – who knows, we may have to move to a bigger space for our 20th show in 2024!
We have noticed that, over time, sales continue to be fast! We have a solid following of guests, which includes families and friends of the artists, employees in the social service sector, students who are in the process of joining the movement, our Mt. Pleasant neighbours, and people who love art who hear about us online through opportunities like this one! Each year, I meet guests who are simply blown away and delighted that they came to the show.
Personally, I am most excited to discover new artists! I get that rush of anticipation and have trouble deciding which piece/s I will add to my collection. I also delight in connecting with the artists I know, many of whom I have watched grow into their craft over the years. Within a couple of hours, my face hurts from smiling so much, and my clothing is wrinkled from all of the hugs!
Lastly, posAbilities has invited two of our Social Media Fellows to help us document this year’s show – Deepi Leihl, and Larissa Gunkel. Stay tuned for more coverage on @posAbilitiesCA
Written by Monique Nelson
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