Chattanooga, TN --- Chattanooga State Community College will host an exhibit entitled Flying Brushes in the Augusta R. Kolwyck Library, October 1-31, during normal library hours. The artists whose works will be on display have developmental disabilities and physical limitations.  The public is invited to meet the artists in the library on October 18 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
 
Open Arms Care (OAC) is a nonprofit organization that provides aid to individuals with disabilities and strives to help them reach their maximum potential through life skills development, vocational services, recreational therapy, and community integration.

Flying Brushes is OAC Chattanooga’s specialized art program offering a wide range of opportunities for clients to express themselves freely. Flying Brushes began with a technique called Artistic Realization Technologies (ART), which was created by professional artist, Tim Lefens.  Each class is taught one-on-one and individualized for the student.

According to Amy Pinyan Rowe, program specialist/ART,  “Flying Brushes is a kaleidoscope.  Each artist is as different as the next and each has something to say. If incapable of speaking or physically challenged, each artist approaches the canvas as any other: intimidated, eager, excited, ready to implode.”

The most common use of the ART technique by an artist in the Flying Brushes program is via a laser attached to a piece of adaptive equipment. A “tracker,” who assists the student with creating their artwork, follows the laser point with the exact tool, color, and texture the artist chooses.

Some of the artists must use the ART technique, while others who have the ability to paint opt for a more traditional technique. Either way, the goal is to make the artist feel empowered to freely create their work.

“OAC\\'s artists have something to tell us and their canvases are something worth sharing. We appreciate this opportunity to paint a colorful picture for our community” says Rowe.

To purchase any of the paintings on display, contact OAC at (423) 238-9636. The artists receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of their painting.

For information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at (423) 697-4404 or toll free at (866) 547-3733. Information is available on the Chattanooga State website at www.chattanoogastate.edu, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChattState, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ChattStateCC.