The underlying inspiration for AAAWD (and our logo) is the stone soup fable wherein a few stones placed in a pot of boiling water become both pretext and catalyst for creating something from nothing, and revealing nothing to be something after all. Together, we're expanding notions of ability and normality by adding our own definitions and experience to the equation through art.
Our story began in 2006 with a series of VSA arts of Minnesota-sponsored meetings which brought together individual artists and arts organizations from around the state to discuss forming artists with disabilities collectives in Greater Minnesota. In 2007, local artists with disabilities were invited by VSA and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council to several meetings in Duluth to lay the foundation for a new collective. In early 2008, VSA arts provided grant money to help fund our group projects and outreach activities.
Our acronym, AAAWD, sounds like “odd” and “awed” – words that echo what it’s like being an artist with a disability in America. The trajectory of our group is from odd to awed via artwork, humor, friendship and open minds.
This is the story so far. Please feel welcome to contact us, attend our meetings and contribute to our blog to begin adding your own essential ingredients into the mix!
