‘More Alike Than Different’

The walls of the Parks Memorial Hall were alive and vibrant with brushstrokes and charcoal smudges swimming in a sea of extraordinary color and undeniable talent. Amid the hanging paintings, drawings and mixed media creations were the artists, the true stars of the More Alike Than Different art exhibit opening reception, hosted by the Georgia College Department of Music Therapy, Creative Expressions Studio and the Life Enrichment Center on Sept. 19.

GC’s newest art exhibit plays an important role in paying homage to National Disability Employment Awareness month, which was recently proclaimed by President Barack Obama as a yearly awareness month in an Oct. 3 statement. The proclamation urges individuals to embrace the unique talents and assets that those with disabilities bring to the workplace and beyond in their respective communities.

The More Alike Than Different exhibit is home to an abundance of eclectic artwork from over 20 artists with disabilities who strive to leave their creative mark and earn a living by creating one-of-a-kind works. All artwork on display is for sale, with pieces ranging from $3 to $75.

The driving forces behind the exhibit is the hope that students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community will have an eye-opening experience upon visiting the array of art. Katie Whipple, Creative Expressions Studio program coordinator, has high hopes for More Alike Than Different.

“This exhibit exemplifies our guiding principle: that we are more alike than different,” Whipple said in a recent press release. “We all want to use our talents and strengths to earn a living by doing what we enjoy. This exhibit provides our artists with disAbilities a chance to do just that.”

Each exhibiting artist was chosen for his work and passion, which is apparent in each unique and intricately detailed work. Many of the artists’ motivation in life is to make art, and the newly established exhibit serves as a culmination of the entire creative process.

“I speak for all involved when I say that the most rewarding part of coordinating this event is when I see their work on display and connect to students, faculty and other community members through their art,” Whipple said. “Plus, seeing how proud they are of their accomplishments is amazing!”

The artwork on display is plentiful and varied, with artists using a wide spectrum of mediums including wax, tempera, cardboard, buttons, crayons and glints of glitter.

Artist Mike Hall Jr.’s Old Spice Man hangs at the end of the exhibit, a mixed media creation consisting of collaged bits and thick pencil strokes, collectively playing off of one of pop culture’s most recent and recognizable commercial characters.

A neighboring work is entitled Color #2 by artist Gabe Elder, an eccentric modern piece composed of corrugated cardboard and thoughtful splashes of color.

“I got a box and cut it up,” Elder said. “Then, I added colored pieces in it.”

As visiting GC students mixed and mingled among the artwork, each piece was met with surprise and immense admiration.

“I walk through the Health Sciences Building all the time, and I was really interested in viewing the exhibit,” sophomore music therapy major Ellen Gaither said. “This exhibit gives the artists credit and shows that they are capable of so much more than others may think.”

For sophomore business management major Paul Son, More Alike Than Different is the first exhibit he has experienced since attending GC.

“It’s so cool to see the variety of artwork on display from the artists,” Son said. “Just looking at this artwork makes me realize that I couldn’t do this myself.”

The exhibit’s reception commenced in a flurry of high fives, warms smiles, hugs, and laughter among artists, families, faculty and students alike. Although this is the first year of the More Alike Than Different exhibit, it will not be the last for artists with disabilities at GC.

“We love an opportunity to display our artwork and have the chance to show people just how talented artists with disAbilities truly are,” Whipple said. “There is always such a warm, collective response to our artists and their work each time we show at Georgia College.”

The exhibit will be on display in the Parks Memorial Hall Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 16.