“Story of Flying,” on view October 12–December 16 at the Kennedy Museum of Art, celebrates 20 years of Passion Works Studios.]
The Kennedy Museum of Art at Ohio University presents an opening reception for the exhibition “A Story of Flying: 20 Years of Passion Works,” Friday, Oct. 12, with a gallery walk and talk from 5:15 to 6 p.m. and a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.
“Story of Flying,” on view Oct. 12 through Dec. 16 in the East Galleries of the Museum, is an immersive multimedia installation celebrating the 20th anniversary of Passion Works Studio, a collaborative community art center encouraging people of all abilities to work and thrive within partnership celebrating the power of creativity, connection and purpose. Nationally recognized for its work in empowering and validating the differently abled, Passion Works Studio had its first ever exhibition at Kennedy Museum of Art in 1998.
“People who have developmental differences, they’re often really looked at through deficits — things that don’t work,” said Patti Mitchell in an article in Ohio Magazine. “Our approach is we look at what people can do, what they want to do and build on those strengths. ... Then the deficits just kind of fade away.”
The exhibition can be viewed in the Kennedy Museum of Art in Lin Hall 536, 100 Ridges Circle, Ohio University, Athens. Open gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Weekend hours are Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
A panel discussion, “Art, Collaboration and Making Spaces: Passion Works Studio and Honey for the Heart Giant Puppet Parade,” moderated by Dr. Lynn Harter, Passion Works board president and co-director of the Barbara Geralds Storytelling Institute, will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. Participants include: Patty Mitchell, founder/executive director of Passion Works Studio; Kate Kern, Ohio Arts Council artist in residence; and Maureen Wagner, Arts for Ohio/College of Fine Arts.