Features Editor

"Creativity – A Natural Bridge," a remarkable collection of artwork created by adult artists with disabilities from throughout Alabama, will be on exhibit in Troy beginning Aug. 22.

The exhibition debuted in Birmingham in March and has traveled to Opelika, Greenville, Tuscumbia and will close in Guntersville after being on exhibit at the Colley Senior Complex through Sept.14.

The public is invited to a reception and lecture at 2 p.m. opening day on Aug. 22.

Carolyn Sherer, a member the board of directors of VSA arts of Alabama, will present a brief lecture and slide show on disability awareness. Sherer is a popular lecturer and the author of the book, Just As I Am: Americans with Disabilities.

Sponsors of the exhibition are VSA arts of Alabama, (Vision of an inclusive community · Strength in shared resources · Artistic expression that unites us all) the Troy Council on the Arts and Humanities and the Colley Senior Complex.

"The theme of the show is "Creativity – A Natural Bridge," said Bobbi Swisher, publicity chairperson for the Troy arts council. "This theme encompasses the belief that art is an avenue by which all people, regardless of background, can express themselves to others.

"Art allows the expression of inner feeling into an outward, visible representation of the soul. In essence, art bridges all barriers between artist and viewer."

The exhibition will feature between 25 and 30 pieces selected by a jury.

"This is a great opportunity to view the artwork of these very talented artists,"

Swisher said. " I think everyone will be impressed with the quality of their work. Not often are we able to bring a show of this kind to Pike County and we hope that everyone will take advantage of this opportunity. We are fortunate that VSA arts of Alabama chose Troy as one of the sites for the show."

VSA arts of Alabama is a not-for-profit organization that has served the state since 1984. The organization is an affiliate of VSA arts, an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing arts programming, training and advocacy for children and adults with disabilities.

VSA arts Alabama serves to communicate the power of the arts as a means to achieve personal growth, increase self-confidence and positively shape the lives of people with disabilities.