1/9/97 Contact: Sally Delgado, Ohio University, 614/593-1304

ATHENS, Ohio -- An installation titled "Birds of Paradise," created by the associates of ATCO, various community groups and Ohio Arts Council Artist-in-Residence Patty Mitchell, will be on display at the Kennedy Museum of American Art at Ohio University from Jan. 17 to Feb. 14. A public reception for the exhibit will be held at the museum from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 17.

Funded by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council, the project took place at ATCO, the nonprofit employment and training center for people with disabilities in Athens County. ATCO is operated under a philosophy emphasizing programming that "assists adults with developmental disabilities to actualize their unique strengths and talents as productive members of the community."

Mitchell and ATCO Community Inclusion Coordinator Jeff Bierlein sought to create a project and process joining people with disabilities and others in the community to work together toward a common goal. The collaborative installation "Birds of Paradise" resulted from the process, which linked ATCO members with local artists, businesses and organizations.

"Both the process and the product celebrate our similarities as well as our individuality," said Sally Delgado, assistant director of the museum for exhibitions and programs.

The museum is located in Lin Hall on The Ridges on the Athens campus. Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The museum will hold special hours Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Also on display are the continuing exhibitions "A Century of Weaving: The Navajo Chief Blanket" and "Fresh Perspectives: Young People's Art from Southeastern Ohio."