Community Access to the Arts, Inc.
Redefining Disability Through the Arts
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Arts In & Arts Out
In this core program, artists with disabilities participate in intensive workshops taught by faculty who are working artists in their fields. Arts In / Arts Out workshops provide vital opportunities for our artists to explore new interests and express their unique perspectives. These workshops take place across Berkshire and Columbia counties in residences, day habilitation programs, schools, and eldercare settings, as well as in CATA’s own studio in Great Barrington, MA
CATA in the Schools
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.
A.R.T. (Artistic Realization Technologies) Workshops
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 Crafts Cooperative
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.
I Am a Part of Art
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.
Art on Tour
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.
The Art Cart
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.
Where we work
External reviews
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Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Community Access to the Arts, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 01/26/2024
Heather Wells Heim
Steve Shatz
John Whalan
Elaine Radiss
Emily Rechnitz
Sandra Baron
Rich Petrino
David Rice
Ira Grossman
Judy Boomer
Liz Costley
Carol Glazer
Sarah Hunter
Mindi Morin
Carol Riordan
Heather Wells Heim
Chris White
Linda Smothers
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
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Gender identity
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Transgender Identity
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Sexual orientation
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Disability
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