Claiming Our Space: Contemporary Art and IDD

Opening Reception:  Thursday, September 19, 5:30-7:30pm

All are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Claiming Our Space is a collective contemporary exhibition that draws art from ten bay area studios supporting artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

"Claiming space" is the act of asserting presence, identity, and rights: taking up literal and metaphorical space to ensure that voice, needs, and existence are recognized and respected. For artists with IDD, claiming space means participation in places or conversations where they have historically been excluded or underrepresented. 

The Petaluma Arts Center, as a representative of local artists, and Alchemia, which advocates for artists with IDD, have partnered to present this exhibition. Our shared goal is to amplify the creative voices of artists with IDD and bring them greater recognition and inclusion in our North Bay arts community.  Every artist has a voice.

Co-Curators: Liz Jahren, Vicky Kumpfer, Lisa Lightman

Advisory Committee: Lupita Chavez Alvarez, Thomas Barba, Michael Cheney, Rosie Dawson, Dani Melen

Participating Organizations

Alchemia; Art Explorers; Becoming Independent; Cedars of Marin; Creativity Explored; Fairway Place; Marin Ventures; Napa Valley Support Services; NIAD; UCP of the North Bay

Related Events

Educational Panel Discussion on Contemporary Art and IDD

Thursday, October 10, 5:30 doors are open; 6:00 - 7:00pm panel

Join us for a discussion with museum personnel and local arts leaders about how contemporary art institutions can support the representation of artists with IDD. Donation Only.

Petaluma Arts Center

230 Lakeville Street

Dance Performance by Dance Alchemy

Saturday, October 19, 2pm and 5:30

Dance Alchemy’s artists will share their creativity with 2 dance performances.

For more information: https://www.alchemia.org/

Polly Klaas Community Theater

417 Western Avenue

Closing Reception

Saturday, October 26, 12-4pm

Family and Community-Wide Celebration

Members Free; $5 Non-Members

Thank you to the California Arts Council for their support of this exhibition.

Hours:  Thursday, Friday and Saturday 12-4pm