The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) holds many exhibits throughout the year. In honor of National Disability Awareness Month, the LCVA teamed up with the Accessibility Resources Office (ARO) to open one of their latest exhibitions First, People. The work being displayed was created by students, faculty, and members of the community to display what “disability” means to them. As a viewer, you’re invited to take in all the different connections and experiences of others:
“When talking about disability and people, words color our perceptions, and perceptions color our words. One way to address people is called “person first” language. Someone may prefer ‘person with blindness’; they are a person, and blindness is just one of the many parts of them. While another way to address others is called ‘identity first.’ These people may prefer a term like ‘autistic’; that being autistic is an integral part of their identity and cannot be separated from their experiences.” Every piece displayed in this collection is different, from the reason it was made to the medium it was made in. Walking through this space was so eye opening, reading about all the different experiences the people around me have had and how they don’t let their “disabilities” get in their way.
The room was filled with so much talent, it is hard to describe every one of the works. One of my favorites was a mixed media piece titled Sometimes Disabilities are Invisible, put together by multiple participants from the Longwood community. The Student Engagement Staff asked these contributors to share their thoughts on invisible disabilities and what they are. These responses reinforce the importance of this topic and encourage viewers to continue the conversation. Another piece that personally connected with me was Artist Anxiety by Katherine McSweeney. She describes her work as, “a series I created about my personal journey with anxiety, and it’s inspirational yet dark nature that plays like a record within my mind on a daily basis.” It was encouraging to see others dealing with the same issues as me and not letting those struggles hold them back. The main thing I believe everyone should take away from this exhibit is that no one is alone in their hardships. I commend everyone who contributed to this show for sharing part of themselves with others, and giving a voice to those who feel they don’t have one.
Along with First, People, the LCVA is also displaying an exhibition titled Reflections of the Heart: Eldridge Bagley - 50 Years of Painting. Bagley has been painting for 50 years, and this collection depicts the “subject and meaning of a vanishing small-town and agrarian lifestyle.” Growing up in Lunenburg County, Virginia, he witnessed the transition of his rural community into a more modern one. His works such as Bagley’s Berry Farm (1995), Past Perfect (2016), and Forsythia in the Rain (2003) illustrate parts of his childhood and the things he witnessed growing up in the Virginia countryside. My favorite part of his exhibit is A Selection of Miniatures, consisting of many “baby Bagleys.” The subject of these individual canvases varies; some reflect themes from his larger works, while others focus on simple individual ideas. Both exhibitions are greatly enjoyable, and give beautiful insights into all the artists’ lives. If you’re into storytelling through artwork or you’re just looking for a light hearted activity in town, I’d highly recommend visiting both shows before they’re gone!
