Case Study > VISAB!LITY Wheelchair Painting Event
Problem:Artist Dwayne Szot invented wheelchair adaptive drawing and painting tools. These tools were designed to encourage interaction of individuals with and without disabilities, challenge conventional misconceptions of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities, and demonstrate the value of the creative process for everyone at all levels of ability. As an MFA student at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design, I organized, designed, and produced a community-wide painting event held during the Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
Solution:
The painting event was entitled "VISAB!LITY", with emphasis on ability.
VISAB!LITY was a uniquely diverse collaboration, including teachers, parents, education services, disability agencies, and arts organizations. Interviews with potential participants were conducted to find out about their interest and experience with painting and painting tools, and to get feedback about what they would like to do with the wheelchair adaptive painting tools. We used this information to refine the plans for the event, to make sure we met the needs of participants, and to provide the most enjoyable and beneficial experience.
The logo was designed to emulate the movement of the wheelchair as well as the exuberance of creative expression. Event materials included posters, signage, t-shirts, and buttons.
Results:
In partnership with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, VISAB!LITY enjoyed an audience of over 1,500 Festival-goers of all ages. As a public exposition, the benefits of VISAB!LITY included: promoting adaptive art tools and activities for individuals with disabilities; engaging the power of the creative process to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities; promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion of individuals of all levels of abilities; and creating relationships between schools, arts organizations, and disability agencies.
The 10' x 25' painting resulting from the day’s event was exhibited in the lobby of the Power Center Theatre for the Performing Arts for the remaining two weeks of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
event photo gallery
