The talents of artists of all abilities will be on display at the Continuing Through Inspiration Arts festival on Aug. 17 in Canonsburg.
The Arc of Washington County is providing a chance for artists of all abilities to put their talents on display.
Connecting Through Inspiration, the organization’s first art festival, is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Jefferson Avenue parking lot next to the organization’s 111 W. Pike St. location in Canonsburg.
“It’s really just an opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate inclusion, diversity and the arts,” said Darrilyn McCrerey, advocacy director. “We support people of all abilities.”
The Arc of Washington County provides support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as autism and mental health diagnosis.
“We offer a variety of services and support to get people involved in the community, find employment, and support and guide them in everyday life,” McCrerey said. “We also provide advocacy efforts. We work directly with families and people with disabilities to ensure that they’re receiving the services they’re entitled to and encouraging and empowering people with disabilities to use their voice.”
McCrerey said about 25 art vendors will display and sell their work at the festival, plus the Connecting Through Inspiration Art Gallery inside the building will be accessible. A new show was recently placed in the gallery that festival goers will be able to view.
The gallery was opened in February 2022 to display artwork of artists of all abilities. Since the venue opened, more than 75 artists have had their artwork on display and more than 115 pieces of art have been sold. A number of classes also are offered in the gallery space.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of that artwork goes to the Arc of Washington County for its advocacy program.
Much like the gallery, the festival will feature the art of a wide variety of artists of all abilities.
“We offer the opportunity for all artists,” McCrerey said. “It’s some people that we support and some are other local artists that have submitted their work or are setting up a vendor space. Giving the opportunity for artists of all abilities to be able to show the community their talents, I feel is a great way to get the awareness out there.”
The festival also will feature live entertainment, an outdoor Kids Creation Station hosted by the Frank Sarris Public Library, a hands-on community art project, caricatures, face painting and other activities.
“We’re going to have lots of fun and exciting things for the whole family,” McCrerey said.
