Contributed by Monica Alves, Communications & Event Planning Intern

Wondering what will be included in our 13^th run of the Inclusion Art Show? Well wonder no more, because we’re giving you the 411 on what you can expect this year!

Located in Vancouver’s famous Heritage Hall, this one of a kind exhibition is the biggest disability art show in all of BC, and will feature…

• 150+ artists with diverse abilities including developmental and intellectual disabilities, and physical challenges such as vision, hearing, or mobility impairment.

• Individual pieces and collections of photography, paintings, illustrations, pottery, glasswork, jewelry, fabric art and more will be exhibited and for sale.

• Live art demonstrations: mouth painting, jewelry making, pottery, glass fusing and more from some of our talented artists.

Tuesday, October 3, 6pm
Justin Albay – Chain mail

Justin was born in Burnaby and started making art when he was a teenager. Justin is also a teacher (Kudoz host), and attends a craft night group at The Bird on a Wire Creations in Vancouver.  He enjoys music, which is usually on while he makes jewelry.  Justin likes doing art to show his creativity and talent, and he is excited to be taking part in the art show and demonstrating chainmail. Chainmail is a type of small metal ring linked together. Check out Justin’s business at Designs of Glory: www.designsofglory.wordpress.com

Wednesday, October 4, 11am
Rebecca Nosella – Painting

Rebecca’s soothing and peaceful personality allows for her to conceptualize the amazing artwork that she creates.  Her Acardi’s syndrome and Cerebral Palsy do not hold her back from expressing herself artistically.  Without the ability to talk, and limited vision, she continues producing artwork that sells out shows.  Her abstract style comes from using everyday objects like pot scrubbers and squeegees, along with acrylic paint that bring out the textures and effects found in her art.

Wednesday, October 4, 12pm
AJ Brown – Painting

AJ Brown is a deaf woman with cerebral palsy, specializing in conceptual images of cats and abstract paintings, using watercolour and ink.  Brown is a graduate of Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, the world leader in undergraduate liberal arts education for deaf and hard of hearing students.  She has devoted herself to volunteerism with several not-for-profit organizations whose work benefits people with disabilities. In addition to her paintings, Brown has written a brief biography, My Voice: A Journey of Creativity, Courage and Hope, and has a large selection of art cards fashioned from her original work.  Visit her website at: www.handsandpurrs.ca

Wednesday, October 4, 1pm
Teena Shaw (PotteryWorks) – Wheel throwing

Teena Shaw is a potter and painter who works from her own home studio. Teena has given wheel throwing lessons at PotteryWorks Studio for the last seven years and patiently supported her many students to develop their skills on the potter’s wheel. She also produces a wheel thrown line of functional pottery, which the artists of PotteryWorks paint and glaze.

Wednesday, October 4, 2pm
Andrea Hrysko – Clay mandalas

Andrea Hrysko (BFA, DKATI, RCAT) is a Team Leader at posAbilities and a Registered Art Therapist. Andrea specializes in working with persons who have developmental disabilities, indigenous heritage, addictions and mental health challenges. She is a member of the Art Show and Wellness Committee at posAbilities and has been the Social Committee Chair of the Canadian Art Therapy Association for the past two years. In her off time, Andrea enjoys art, gardening, yoga and horses.

Wednesday, October 4, 3pm
Cody Tresierra – Mouth painting

When Cody Tresierra was 19, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident, leaving him with a broken neck and ventilator dependent. He started painting by holding a paint brush in his mouth while in a rehab hospital and quickly learned to love it. After, he was able to receive some private lessons and soon started taking classes at Basic Inquiries Studios and Emily Carr. He still enjoys taking classes wherever he can and trying new techniques. He paints  mainly in oils and acrylics and enjoys all subjects and styles.

Wednesday, October 4, 4pm
Fatima Khan (Studio 73) – Glass fusing

Fatima was born in Pakistan and started creating art when she was a teenager.  She is living with Down Syndrome and would like to help others with this disability.  Fatima learned art in school, and now creates her art at Studio 73, Pottery Works in New Westminster and at home.  She makes fused glass at Studio 73.  What Fatima enjoys most about making art is how fun it is, and how it gives her the ability to do many different things.  She has shown her art at markets, craft fairs and online.  Fatima feels happy and excited to be in the art show.  One day she wants to become a fashion designer, a police officer and a photographer.

• A silent auction on opening night, with amazing prizes to be won including Vancouver Whitecaps tickets, wine and beer tastings, a day of golfing and so much more. Check out our Facebook and Twitter to see what you can bid on.

• Delicious food, drinks and the opportunity to mingle with fellow art lovers and the artists themselves.

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Join us on October 3rd from 5-8pm and October 4th from 11am-6pm at the Heritage Hall for posAbilities’ 13^th Annual Inclusion Art Show & Sale! Visit www.inclusionartshow.com for details or our Facebook event page. Read our official Press Release here.