Artists With Disabilities To Sell Art, Holiday Cards At Tinley Gallery

TINLEY PARK, IL — A local gallery will display work created by individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities Tuesday, Oct. 25. Guests will be able to peruse the artwork at The Painted Turtle, 17459 Oak Park Ave. — and can make an artist's day by purchasing their creations.

The Painted Turtle is partnering with Community Services Foundation of Orland Park for the Fall Art Fair, which will feature the work of 15 artists and will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The artists will showcase jewelry, crafts, seasonal wreaths, abstract art, landscapes, clothing, smaller blankets and hats.

All proceeds from the art sales go directly to the respective artists who created the work. The work of 15 artists will be on display.

Started in 1989, Community Services Foundation is based in Orland Park and currently serves about 620 people, said Susan Barnes, director of development for the organization.

"It began as a staff of one and now has over 15 staff members," Barnes said. "Our staff supports CTF Illinois through property management systems as well as through fundraising efforts. All funds raised through special events, campaigns, private donations, and grant writing go directly to the individuals supported at CTF Illinois."

In addition to handcrafted artwork, also for sale at the fair will be holiday cards created by members of CSF. Artists spent a week creating the cards, Barnes said.

"They were inspired by the theme of the holidays throughout Tinley Park," Barnes told Patch. "They were involved in the Tinley Park Trim-a-Tree last year. They loved it!"

Artists will receive 75 percent of the sales of the cards; the remainder will go toward covering the cost of production.

Holiday cards can also be ordered online.