The need
Deaf Spotlight is a Seattle nonprofit that "inspires and showcases the Deaf Culture and Sign Languages through the arts." Its Art & Design program held the Community Art Exhibit 2024: Summer Solstice. It was a juried 8 x 8 exhibition, open to Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing and CODA youth artists from all over the country.
4Culture, the Washington State Arts Commission, the City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts supported the show. It ran from June 1 to June 30, 2024, and the opening reception was on Saturday, June 8. I was one of the exhibiting artists.
The exhibit theme was light, nature and the changing seasons. I made my painting Change for it: a little blue creature looks up at a swirling sun, while hands around it sign CHANGE.
The process
I registered in early 2024, and Deaf Spotlight mailed me a gessoed 8 x 8 artist panel. First, I worked out the idea as a digital rough sketch. Then I painted it by hand on the panel, and shipped it to Seattle by the delivery deadline, April 15, 2024.
The opening reception filled up. Deaf Spotlight had to close RSVPs, because the reception was at full capacity. Afterward, Kellie Martin, the Art & Design Program Director, told me: "Someone came to visit gallery and loved your artwork!"
The result
The exhibit helped me get back on track and do traditional art again, after a long time. Kellie also invited me to join their future exhibitions.
After the show, Change came back home. It is for sale on my Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/s/502b3ab8a8