Published: October 16, 2009 07:25 am      

Artists heal through creativity

Exhibit is the first public use of BATA space

TRAVERSE CITY -- Kerry Newcomb spent years learning how to walk and talk again after the 1986 car accident that left her with a head injury.

Now she's living life to the fullest with the help of line, shape, color, form, texture, space and value.

"My artwork helps me express my joy," said an artist statement for Newcomb, a Suttons Bay painter whose acrylic still lifes will be on display in the one-day art exhibit "A New Dimension."

The show and artists reception takes place from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday at the BATA Transfer Station and features the work of area artists living with physical, emotional and cognitive challenges.

"People with challenges have a unique perspective on life through their experience," said artist Michelle St. Amant, who organized the exhibit to benefit Andre's Place, a new program that will provide them with art materials, instruction and gallery and studio space. "Society needs to hear from them."

Exhibit works, many for sale, include drawings, paintings, photographs, computer graphics, furniture, sculptures and etched glass.

Among the largest is Steve Stenman's "Batman Angst," a 4-foot by 4-foot acrylic painting on bedsheet "canvas" that reflects the artist's bouts with depression. Stenman is a Gulf War veteran who suffered from posttraumatic stress but now is studying special education, St. Amant said.

Other artists are living with autism, visual impairments, chronic pain and symptoms from fetal alcohol syndrome.

The exhibit and Andre's place were established in memory of St. Amant's son, Andre Krist, who died in 2004 at the age of 18 after multiple seizures. Krist was born with the rare genetic disorder galactosemia and developed impairments including autism, scoliosis and mental retardation. St. Amant said she often worked with him to develop his artistic skills, which helped build communication and self-esteem.

"Art speaks," she said. "My son had limited verbal skills, but through his art we learned a lot. Art provides an avenue of expression that words can't always do."

The exhibit is the first public use of the BATA Transfer Station, which is being opened to nonprofit organizations for fundraisers and other events, said BATA Executive Director Tom Menzel.

"We've got this beautiful building and it's only used for one venue and it's open on Sunday. So we really should be looking for ways to add value to the community besides moving people from Point A to Point B," Menzel said, adding that conference space also will be available to nonprofits. "We'd also like to take that building and use it as an anchor or entrance into the Warehouse District, the Garland district, because it's right at the front end."

Sunday's exhibit includes music by Ron Getz, refreshments ranging from hors d'oeuvres to desserts and a shopping table featuring donated goods and services. A $5 donation is suggested.