Art From The Heart To Host Albertina Kerr Art Show June 8

PORTLAND, OR — Showcasing artwork created by folks in the disabled community, Albertina Kerr's Art from the Heart gallery in Portland will host its 'Looking Forward, Looking Back' art show this week to benefit the artists and the organization's art program.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 8, the artwork of more than 40 adult artists who live with a wide range of developmental disabilities will be on display at the Art from the Heart gallery, 3505 N.E. Broadway St. in Northeast Portland's Hollywood district. From $5 decorative cards and ceramics to larger pieces priced upwards of $80 or so, the proceeds from the biannual event will go to both the artists, who receive 70 percent from each sale, and the art program, which puts 30 percent of each sale toward the purchase of more supplies.

Albertina Kerr is a 110-year-old Oregon organization assisting children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges by providing a variety of services and programs that not only enrich the lives of those individuals but also provides them with designated places to share their talents and express themselves.

"Art from the Heart shows give a time and place for the artists to be celebrated and recognized and given a voice when they otherwise may not," said Rhianna Reardon, Art from the Heart program manager. "Through our art, we stretch our voice individually and as a community. Each and every one of our artists has a story to tell and has chosen art as a means to tell that tale."

Art from the Heart was established in 1995 as an alternative-to-employment program that ultimately evolved into an art school, studio, and gallery for adults with developmental disabilities to create, exhibit, and sell their art. The gallery and program was acquired by Albertina Kerr in 2012.

Artwork created at Art from the Heart is showcased in spring and winter shows, longtime staff member Ryan Williams told Patch on Tuesday. Typically scheduled for the second Thursday in June and December, this year marks the program's 20th anniversary, Williams said, and the forthcoming spring show's theme reflects that continued support for disabled adult artists.

"It represents what we've done and looks forward to where we're going," Williams explained. "For us, it's always been something the artists use as income and as a sense of pride. It's also a celebration of all their hard work."

More than 250 works will be displayed Thursday, including paintings, prints, mosaics, and mixed media, according to Albertina Kerr officials.

"For some of the artists, this gives them a chance for their voice to be heard," said Job Erickson, a graphic and custom design artist who will submit his own work Thursday. "This community is a lot of artists working together and inspiring each other to just be who you are."

For more information about the program, contact Jennifer Harmon at 503-408-4721, or email Jennifer.Harmon@AlbertinaKerr.org.

For more information about Albertina Kerr, call 503-239-8101, or visit www.albertinakerr.org.

Photo Courtesy: Albertina Kerr, Art from the Heart