T.K. Martin Center's EXPRESS! Yourself

Artists include Birney Imes, Hillary Parker, Dylan Karges, and Melissa Smith. Click here to find out more about our 2012 Gallery Shows.

"The T.K. Martin Center's project EXPRESS Yourself! uses the techniques of Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.) to provide a means for Mississippians with significant physical disabilities to feel the power of self expression through visual art."

Artists in the show:

COLUMBUS ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS EXHIBIT OPENING OF EXPRESS! YOURSELF FEATURING T.K. MARTIN CENTER ARTISTS

Columbus, MS, January 3, 2013 – On Thursday, January 3, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., The Columbus Arts Council will host a gallery opening and reception for “EXPRESS! Yourself” featuring the work of T.K. Martin Center artists at the Rosenzweig Arts Center gallery.

"The T.K. Martin Center's project EXPRESS! Yourself uses the techniques of Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.) to provide a means for Mississippians with significant physical disabilities to feel the power of self-expression through visual art." There will also be a mini show in the newest gallery addition Art Alley featuring four local photographers.

The mission of the T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability is “to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to continually benefit from technological solutions and advances in the field of assistive technology.” It is with their EXPRESS! Yourself program that clients are given a creative outlet in the form of art. The acronym EXPRESS stands for “experiencing painting as recreation and expresses the spirit within yourself.” Trained individuals called trackers “act as neutral arms, executing the vision of the physically challenged through laser-guided tracking and other exacting technologies” (Lefens, 2005). These trackers use precise techniques and give those with the most minimal ability to move, the ability to allow their vision of art to become a reality.

"Trapped first by their bodies, then again by the people around them. One massive barrier wall stacked on top of another. The isolation must be crushing. Yet there is that light in their eyes. How had they kept their spirits alive? What would they tell us if they had the power?" -Excerpt from Tim Lefens' book, Flying Colors (2002). Several hard copies of Tim Lefens’ book, Flying Colors, about the first-hand experience he has had with the A.R.T. program will be available for sale.

Participating artists in this exhibit will be Ashley Bass, Amanda Williams, Candace Stephenson, Clinton White, Demetria Gilbert, Mark Jones, Monica Herard, Shannon Herod, Thalamus Brown, Also: Terell Jenkins (lives in Jackson - will not be in attendance), In memoriam: Martha Lipsey and TJ Bovastro.