Back in 1979, when MossRehab hosted its first exhibit of artwork created by professional artists with disabilities (the first of its kind on the East Coast) it was considered innovative. Now, this international juried exhibit and sale of art, known to its many enthusiasts as All About Art, is considered an institution.
This year, All About Art, which is free to the public, will be held from April 13th through May 30th at MossRehab’s main campus (60 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, Pa.). It will exhibit and sell the works of 79 artists who work in a variety of mediums, including paper, canvas, mixed media, oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, photography and jewelry. These professional artists have overcome disabilities such as spinal cord injury, visual impairment, quadriplegia and traumatic brain injury to create their pieces. The sale of artwork begins April 13th and will be available for purchase online and in-person. (Eighty percent of proceeds from sales go to the artists. Additional proceeds will support the All About Art Audio Tour, a rich descriptive audio and visual experience highlighting works in the permanent art collection at MossRehab.)
For those looking to take in the exhibit in a festive atmosphere, the All About Art Patron’s Preview Party will take place on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 6 to 9 p.m. This exclusive access allows attendees the chance to enjoy the artwork and make purchases before the exhibit and sale opens to the public. At this year’s Patron’s Preview Party, Pennsylvania State Senator Christine Tartaglione will be honored for her inspirational work establishing Pennsylvania’s Office for People with Disabilities. Tartaglione is no stranger to the daily challenges that accompany living with a disability. She suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a 2003 boating accident and has required the use of a wheelchair since then. She also has a personal connection to MossRehab, where she learned how to use ReWalk, a robotic exoskeleton that provides people with lower limb disabilities the opportunity to stand, walk and — in some cases — climb stairs.
“I am flattered and honored that MossRehab has invited me to participate in the celebration of its eye-opening and innovative All About Art program,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Now four decades old, the annual exhibition was ahead of its time in bringing well-deserved attention to the creative contributions of people who live with disabilities. Although they face profound daily challenges, these artists have channeled their vast talents and unrelenting spirit to beautify the world.”
New this year to All About Art is the addition of portraits from the Bold Beauty Project for the Metro Philadelphia tristate area – a series of photographs aimed at expanding and promoting the concept of what is beautiful to include people with disabilities. The Bold Beauty Project debuted in Miami and was successfully replicated in Washington, and now Philadelphia. Women, with varying disabilities, were selected to represent the ideals of bold beauty for the Metro Philadelphia area. An opening reception will be held April 15th from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no admissions fee, but donations are greatly appreciated. The event is open to all. For further information, contact Cheryl Ochs, Lead Organizer, BBPP at shcofam@optonline.net.
All About Art will also be hosting its annual Kids’ Day, Sunday April 15th, from 10 a.m. to noon. Children ages 6 to 16, will participate in creating art while simulating a variety of physical disabilities designed to broaden their understanding and appreciation of what it is like to live with a disability. After the interactive session, they will be invited to view the All About Art collection. Registration is free, but space is limited. To register, please call 215-663-6100.
To learn more about the Patron’s Preview Party, and to view/purchase artwork online starting April 12, go to https://advance.einstein.edu/event/art-mossrehab-patrons-preview-party/.