Local Artist’s Self-portrait on display in washington, D.C. – Exhibit Marks Anniversary for Disability Services
Matthew Phillips of Hot Springs is one of 70 artists whose self-portraits will be on display in Washington, D.C. during a special event on September 13 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ANCOR, the American Network of Community Options and Resources. ANCOR was founded in 1970 as an association of organizations that support community integration for people with disabilities. The artworks will be on display during the invitation-only special event, being held at the Smithsonian’s Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.
“This exhibit really brings the voices of people with disabilities into our celebration,” said ANCOR CEO Renee L. Pietrangelo. “The remarkable energy, diversity and creativity of the pieces underscore the value of supporting community integration and self-expression for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.”
Also at the event, 22 individuals will be inducted into the ANCOR Foundation Legacy Leaders Circle, in recognition of their many years of service to the association and to the ideal of community supports and services. “ANCOR is proud of these leaders, who have been at the forefront in making communities of choice a reality for people with disabilities,” said ANCOR CEO Renee L. Pietrangelo. “And we’re especially pleased that the $30,000 raised by this class of inductees will support the professional development of the future leaders in our field.”
ANCOR is the national association representing more than 800 providers of community supports and services to more than 500,000 people with disabilities. The association offers federal advocacy, professional and organizational development and access to innovation and best practices for and on behalf of its members.
Michael is a participant in First Step’s Art Ajar program that began in April 2008 as a means of providing a creative outlet for the adults served by the organization. Through this program, local professional artists teach classes for interested consumers in the First Step Adult Development Program. The group has displayed their work at Art in the Park, the Fine Arts Center and the Malco Theater. They were invited to illustrate the publication, Natural State, a collection of 20 short stories from the Fine Arts Center’s “2009 Short Story competition.” First Step serves individuals, birth through adulthood, with developmental delays and disabilities. “Our organization is very proud of Matthew, and honored to have his work displayed in Washington, D.C”, said Joanne Mitchell, Art Ajar Coordinator For more information about First Step, please call (501) 624-6468.
