National accessArts Centre: Reel Perspectives Exhibition
October 1 to 31, 2024
Yonge-Dundas (soon to be Sankofa) Square and the National accessArts Centre are happy to announce the featured artists for the Reel Perspectives Installation: Paul Brain, Sherrine Fox, Jody Roll, Carla Salter, and Alison Cherer.
This exhibition features five video portraits that illuminate the space between external appearance and internal experience of artists living with disabilities. Each artist sought to represent how their artistic practice is an avenue to overcome obstacles, connect to community, and realize their dreams.
The artists collaborated with filmmaker Katie Wackett to develop their concepts, videographer Sebastian Buzzalino to shoot their videos, and digital media artist Tom Kuo to create the experience in the square.
This work was created in Mohkinstsis (also known as Calgary) at the National accessArts Centre in Calgary and made possible through the support of Canada Council for the Arts.
About the National accessArts Centre:
As Canada’s first multidisciplinary disability arts company, the NaAC provides artistic training, creation, and exhibition/presentation opportunities for artists with developmental, physical, and acquired disabilities.
The NaAC supports more than 300 artists living with developmental and/or physical disabilities through on-site studio supports and workshops, and an even broader community of Canadian artists with disabilities through immersive programs delivered online. The NaAC currently operates a multidisciplinary studio space in Calgary, and the Won Lee Community Arts Hub in Toronto.
About the Artists:
Paul Brain
Paul Brain, a visionary contemporary artist, has reshaped the contours of contemporary disability art. Born in Hong Kong and now based in Calgary, Canada, Paul's journey through art transcends geographical boundaries and personal challenges. His award-winning work is a testament to over twelve years of dedicated practice across diverse cultural landscapes, including Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and Canada.
Alison Cherer
Alison Cherer is a versatile artist who likes using a variety of media and doesn't miss an opportunity to try something new. In the studio, she experiments with mosaics, printmaking, batik, collage, and glass. Her current mediums of choice include clay, Venetian plaster and fluid acrylic paint. She gets inspiration from her hobbies, including participating in Special Olympics and watching sports, especially hockey and football. She loves to attend Calgary Flames hockey games and Stampeder football games on weekends and enjoys sharing stories of her adventures with her fellow artists. While her work often reflects sports-related imagery or references to popular culture, she also likes to paint animals and landscapes
Sherrine Fox
Sherrine Fox is an emerging visual artist currently based in Calgary, Alberta. Sherrine is adventurous, she loves to explore new mediums and techniques. Recently, she’s been diving into her passion for portraits, landscapes, and shadows through charcoal drawings. Sherrine is highly involved in the Calgary arts community, participating in gallery tours, studio visits, and research-based learning. Connecting with other artists and art communities in Calgary is a huge part of Sherrine’s passion for art. She recently completed a 2D Visual Art practicum with the National accessArts Centre, as well as a music residency at Contemporary Calgary.
Judy Roll
Jody Roll is an abstract artist, designer, and filmmaker from Calgary, Alberta. Her work is vibrant, bright, dreamy, and romantic. A common theme Jody likes to showcase is the beauty of people with disabilities. Jody is a passionate advocate for the Down Syndrome community and mental health awareness. Her work has been featured in galleries across the country and screened at the Artifact Film Festival and Sled Island.
Carla Salter
Carla Salter is an artist born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, who has created art for as long as she can remember. Carla has worked at the National accessArts Centre for years, where she has explored painting, ceramics, and now digital video. She loves creating abstract work because it allows her more freedom to communicate feelings and expressions. For Carla, creating artwork feels like a necessary practice in her life. Through her artwork, Carla feels like she has a greater capacity to express herself and speak her mind. "I want to keep making and see where my practice evolves. I want to keep pushing myself because I never feel like I have to hide who I am when I'm creating my artwork."
