Herndon Alum Survives Accident to Continue His Art

After a motorcycle accident took away the use of his right hand, 22-year-old Brian Menish knew he wouldn’t let it take away his art.

The West Virginia University student has an exhibit that is currently open at ArtSpace, in the Sapphire Gallery. The exhibit includes drawings and works from both before and after his accident. Pieces include landscapes, still life paintings and more.

Menish said he was a junior in high school when he realized art was something at which he excelled. He said many of the projects currently on exhibit have been done for art classes.

After Menish’s accident he suffered traumatic brain injury. Doctors said it was unlikely he would survive and did not expect him to walk or talk ever again. The accident left him without the use of his right hand, causing him to switch to creating his art left-handed.

Menish said he could paint and draw in much more detail before his accident, but having to switch hands wasn’t that difficult for him otherwise.

Robin Carroll, of ArtSpace, said not only is Menish showing his art at the gallery but he is also doing an internship for ArtSpace, allowing him to see both sides of how an exhibit works. Carroll said he has gotten to see exhibits put together and has had to put one together himself.

“We are extremely committed to supporting young talent, not only by providing real-life work experiences to talented young artists such as Brian, but also through a number of other initiatives, including art classes for young children.  We also provide resources for group and private art lessons for people of every age,” said Carroll.

Menish said he never would have guessed he would get an opportunity like the one he has at ArtSpace. He said he has learned a lot about how a gallery is operated and the work behind preparing his art for hanging.

Sheila Joy, Menish’s mother, said going from the moment she was told her son wasn’t likely to live, to standing surrounded by his work in a gallery, is proof of God’s will. She said she never expected things to turn out the way they have, but she is likely they did.

“It’s just been such a dramatic shift,” Joy said. She said it’s showed her how to hold onto faith and believe, knowing things will work out. “I’m hoping Brian can inspire others,” she said.

Menish’s work will be on exhibit through early August. The gallery is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.