Community Access to the Arts, Inc.

CATA in the Schools provides arts workshops to students with disabilities in area high schools and middle schools. Many of these students do not participate in mainstream art classes and, without CATA, would have little exposure to the arts in their curriculum. In many cases, CATA provides additional support as students transition out of high school, working with special education teachers on I.E.P.’s (Individual Education Plans) and offering continued access to CATA workshops after graduation. Students in high schools represent the next generation of CATA artists.

Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.) is an adaptive painting technique developed by Tim Lefens that provides people with severe physical disabilities the opportunity to paint with the assistance of laser pointers and trained trackers acting as the hands of the artist.

CATAdirect brings together individuals with disabilities and community volunteers to create beautiful, handcrafted products, which are sold to provide commissions to artists and to share CATA’s mission.

A celebration of creativity and inclusion, CATA’s annual art exhibit I Am a Part of Art features vibrant paintings, drawings, and sculpture created by CATA artists with disabilities.

Exhibits are held at the Clark Art Institute and the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. CATA artists express their powerful creative perspectives and share their talents with the wider community. All artwork is professionally matted, framed and offered for sale, with individual artists receiving a generous commission for each piece sold.

Powerful works of art created by CATA artists with disabilities are exhibited at museums, galleries, businesses, and other cultural and community sites throughout Berkshire County and beyond. Past exhibits have taken place at The Norman Rockwell Museum, Berkshire Museum, Lauren Clark Fine Art and Pittsfield City Hall. These vibrant exhibits celebrate the artistry of people with disabilities, showcasing their work throughout the community.

Rooted in a strong respect for elders and their history, The Art Cart program uses the expressive power of the arts to inspire nursing home residents to share their life stories and talents.

A CATA faculty artist leads group workshops in music or works one-on-one with elders to share songs, poems, and stories. The Art Cart forges profound and often therapeutic connections for an older population, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as patients in rehabilitation.