'Tribute to Artists with Disabilities' exhibit at Tower Square plans reception Nov. 8

Four regional artists are showcasing their work in the Springfield gallery

By SARAH PLATANITIS

CHALLENGES: A Tribute to Artists with Disabilities,” an art exhibit featuring the work of Bob Daniels, Kyle O’Neil, Edward Kwiatowski and Mischa Epstein, goes on view this month in Tower Square.

“There is no such word as disability when it comes to art. I think all human beings face challenges in life, and that is what these artists have faced,” said Tracy Woods, curator and director of Artist Square Group Gallery that is presenting the show.

Four regional artists are showcasing their work in an exhibit honoring people with disabilities. It will be on display now until Nov. 30.

A reception is scheduled on Nov. 8 from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be a poetry reading by Maurice Taylor of the Poetic Recovery project, along with light refreshments and music.

Daniels, a double amputee, is a self-taught artist who focuses on oil and airbrush painting. The Springfield native and Vietnam veteran draws on his life experiences, African roots and world travels to develop the themes in his work.

“Bob has also designed the Vietnam Monument for Springfield, has done work for the Smith Museum and worked on project on display at the Smithsonian,” said Woods about the muralist whose art decorates Springfield’s Pan African Historical Museum.

Epstein, of Springfield, creates colorful and imaginative paper mosaic images that have been seen at Northampton’s Paradise City Arts Festival.

“My medium is paper. I love paper, it’s what inspires me,” said Epstein, who suffers from epilepsy. “I go into a store or my studio or anywhere there is paper and am so excited by what is in front of me that I just start sketching and working.”

Since starting her collage work, Epstein has branched out to include paint on paper. Her compositions often include animals, celestial scenes and nature.

Kwiatowski lives in Holyoke. His work has been exhibited in galleries throughout Massachusetts, at Museum 5020 in London and at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio.

Kwiatowski studied watercolor, design and life drawing at the Cleveland Institute of Art. The painter, born with cerebral palsy, paints with his right foot.

O’Neil has been serious about her art since she was a teen. Unable to carve linoleum blocks, she instead began to print her own textures to create the designs she had in mind.

“Kyle can produce the wonderful pieces and excels to the capacity that she has been to Argentina due to her talent as an artist,” said Woods of the artist with Down syndrome.

O’Neil uses monoprints, different varieties of paper and recycled materials to create her signature layered and textured landscapes, cityscapes and seascapes.

“This exhibit is my way of saying, even though society has instilled labels on us, that artists from all backgrounds deserve to be recognized and appreciated for their talent,” said Woods. “I admire anyone who can produce a piece of art, but especially admire and pay tribute to the artist who has had to face additional challenges to show their talent and spirit that others are not aware of until they see it for themselves.”

Artist Square Group Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The gallery is located on the upper level of Tower Square at 1500 Main Street next to the Citywalk Café.

Coming up in December to the gallery will be jewelry and hat artists who will display their works alongside J.J. Artwood’s woodworking designs. An exhibit of sculptures by Springfield’s James Kitchen will continue on view.

For more information, contact Woods at (413) 301-6314.