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Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute

International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities

International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities

Flowers are my friends by Ferne Gatz

Hillside Woodland by Dick Grodt earned Best of Show honors in the 50th Annual International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities, May 2 to 24, 2013.

See more art show winners.

2013 Art Show

The 50th Annual International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities is May 2 to 24.

  • The show's grand opening is on Thursday, May 2, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Regular exhibit and sale hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Admission is free.

For more information, call 612-863-4872.

The International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities is a 50-year tradition of which Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute is very proud.

The show, held each spring, is one of only a handful of judged art shows in the country for those with a physical or mental impairment.

Sister Kenny's mission is all about helping individuals progress towards their personal best. Our art show is an extension of that -- highlighting the abilities of those who experience physical or mental limitations.

Art show sales and permanent collection

About one-quarter of the art show entries are sold each year, with 75 percent of the proceeds going to benefit the individual artists.

Artwork is judged in six categories:

  • graphic
  • watercolor
  • sculpture
  • photography
  • mixed media
  • oils and acrylics.

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital has a permanent art collection from past shows that includes more than 350 pieces of art. Nearly 200 are on display in the hospital.

Art show history

The show stems from the passion of the late Margaret Anderson. She contracted polio at the age of 26 which resulted in quadriplegia and dependence upon a respirator to sustain her life. Anderson developed a passion for painting, refining her skill as a painter with a brush in her mouth as opposed to her hands. Anderson inspired the establishment of the art show and directed it for many years with support from the former Sister Kenny Auxiliary.

The annual International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities takes place every spring.

The 50th Annual International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities is May 2 to 24, 2013. For more information, please call 612-863-4872.

2013 winners

To get a closer look at the 2013 winners, click on the images below. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move from one photo to the next.

Best in Show Award

Judges' Encouragement Award

Graphic

Photography

Watercolor

Mixed media

Oils & acrylics

Sculpture