The View from Here: An Exhibition of Nature-Inspired Work by CATA Artists with Disabilities

Community Access to the Arts (CATA) ​and Berkshire Botanical Garden present “The View from Here​,” an exhibit of nature-inspired paintings and drawings by artists with disabilities​. The exhibition is on display at Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Leonhardt Art Galleries from March 3-26, 2023.

An opening reception — free and open to all — was held on Thursday, March 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. 

Watch our video featuring the artists.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Berkshire Botanical Garden to celebrate the work of CATA artists,” says CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller. “In their vibrant paintings and drawings, CATA artists with disabilities share their perspectives on nature and our beautiful Berkshires landscape. Exhibits like this bring CATA’s mission to life: Artists with disabilities get to share their talents with the wider community and draw us into their life experiences through vibrant works of art.”

“When we had a similar show last year of the work of CATA artists, it was a highlight of our very busy season,” said Thaddeus Thompson, the executive director of Berkshire Botanical Garden. “This has become a deeply meaningful partnership for us, and we cannot wait to see the artwork for this show.”

The 30-plus paintings and drawings featured in the exhibit were created through Community Access to the Arts’ year-round workshops serving children, teens, and adults with disabilities. Some of the works were created on​-​site​ at Berkshire Botanical Garden​ as part of a​n ongoing partnership between CATA and BBG, while others were created by CATA artists ​at day programs and residences serving people with disabilities, as well as in CATA’s studios in Great Barrington. The exhibit includes botanical studies, landscapes, and abstract paintings, each ranging widely in stylistic expression and scale of size.

All works are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for the individual artists.

About Community Access to the Arts: Community Access to the Arts (CATA) nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities. Through dynamic arts workshops and public events, CATA artists tap into their potential, explore new talents, and share their unique points of view with the wider community. CATA collaborates with 50 partner organizations to bring visual and performing arts programs to 800 people with disabilities across Berkshire County, Massachusetts and Columbia County, New York. Learn more at CATAarts.org.