Exhibit will suit special needs artists to a T

By Don McGlynn dmcglynn@theabingtonjournal.comReporter / Photographer

CLARKS SUMMIT – Today, The Bottega Art and Book Boutique will host its latest exhibit, “A Greater Gift, Inspirational Art by Artists with Special Needs.”

The show will feature a variety of artwork created by artists ranging from middle school students to adults, all of whom have varying special needs.

Bottega owner Dori Waters said the exhibit was partially-inspired by the Verve Vertu Studio, in Wilkes-Barre. In partnership with the Deutsch Institute, Verve Vertu Studio offers an art apprenticeship program that offers people with disabilities the chance to develop and expand their artistic interest.

“I already sell artwork from the Verve Vertu art studio, and it gave me the idea ‘Why don’t I do a show and include other people with special needs?’ ” said Waters.

“I’m very excited about this show, because it’s what I want to do. It has very special meaning to me to be able to give a venue to people with special needs.”

Artists featured in the exhibit will include Byron Evans, Branden Wilmot and Carla Kiser from the Scranton School for the Deaf, Zyga Phillips from Abington Heights Middle School and Waters’ daughter, Selena Waters, from Misericordia University.

Selena began to explore her creative side at Abington Heights High School when she started making T-shirts for her friends and family. Each T-shirt, which Selena has named “T-s with personality by Selena,” has a design based on a specific theme.

Earlier this year, Selena began to sell the shirts at the Bottega and has already made a few sales. The shirts will be on display at this show.

Waters will also be using this month’s exhibit as a way to display some of her favorite literary artists. At the exhibit, the Bottega will be featuring three books, “Transcending,” by Kevin Carey, a man who describes his journey in finding his way back after being in an automobile accident, through art.

Also featured will be “If Your Dreams Are Big Enough, the Facts Don’t Count,” and “Lost in a Desert World.” Both books are first person accounts of a person’s life with special needs, ghost written by Carl Williams.

“If I can make connections between the exhibits of the month and a book, I do. I didn’t have anything last month, but I do try and make connections when I can,” said Waters.

The show continues through June 4. An opening reception will be held tonight from 7 to 9 at the Bottega, 206 Depot St., Clarks Summit. For more information, call 954-6650 or e-mail doih2os@aol.com.