"Visual Voices"

“Visual Voices,” a touring exhibit of work by 36 artists organized by the VSA Michigan/State Organization on Arts and Disability, is featured at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. An opening reception for the exhibit will take place at the gallery Thursday, January 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Artwork by Christina Coon and Paul Waisanen, both of Hancock, are included in the juried exhibit. Coon and Waisanen are long-time participants in a VSA-sponsored art class at Hancock’s Oak House, a group home for individuals with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Participants of the Oak House art class, with local drummer Bill Anderson, will present a drumming performance at the exhibit’s opening reception. Started 20 years ago, the Oak House’s VSA-sponsored art class aims to teach skills, provide opportunities for creative expression, and encourage socialization. The classes are instructed by area artists who use a variety of media, including visual arts, crafts, music, and drumming. Copper Country Mental Health is also a significant partner in presenting the class.

Artwork from across the state was submitted for this year’s annual Emerging Artists’ Touring Exhibit, which is open to children and adults with disabilities. The Visual Voices exhibit is on an 11-month tour throughout Michigan at venues including galleries, libraries, conferences, festivals, and other public spaces. It completes its tour this April.

Work is chosen for the exhibit based on quality and to showcase a variety of media and artistic techniques. Nationwide and internationally, VSA provides educators, parents, and artists with resources to support arts programming in schools and communities, showcases accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for all people. Each year, 7 million people participate in VSA programs. Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment.