UNIQUE Unveiling Celebration
On October 30, 2007, the Delavan Art Gallery hosted the spectacular unveiling of UNIQUE 2007, a publication that invites artists living in Central New York to share their artwork with the community. The growth of this art and literary magazine that features the work of artists with disabilities is a clear sign of its impact. The publication produces many “ripples” throughout the community as it touches the lives of artists and the public alike.
UNIQUE artists and their guests began arriving at 5:30 p.m. at the Delavan Art Gallery, where they were greeted by our ARISE staff and volunteers. Guests had an opportunity to meet many of the artists, their families and friends. The unveiling of UNIQUE 2007 was truly unique because the artwork was placed randomly throughout the gallery along with several additional exhibitions by local artists, making it indeed an integrated community event. Nearly every artist whose work was featured in UNIQUE 2007 attended the event with their friends and family members. The gallery was visited by over 200 people throughout the evening who filled it with excitement, laughter and talent.
Guests were treated to refreshments and also the music of a string duet, musicians who are part of the Clinton String Quartet. Tom McKeown, ARISE’s Executive Director and Patricia Smith, the PR Director, addressed the audience with remarks about the increasing success of UNIQUE as a publication and a community event. They congratulated the artists and praised their talents. The excitement and appreciation in the gallery was so elevated that people felt a sense of disappointment that the program came to an end at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. William Delavan and the Management team at the gallery were enthusiastic about offering ARISE an opportunity to host this event and they expressed interest in continuing our innovative collaboration in the future.