Fall Events in Western Massachusetts Showcase Creative Collaboration

by ILANA GERJUOY

Artistic Abilities 2008 Event

In September, October, and November, Western Massachusetts Best Buddies events are bursting with creativity! Three events in the Pioneer Valley highlight the magic that is born from self-expression. These events also underscore the importance of including artistic collaboration while working toward full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

On the evening of September 25th at Thornes Marketplace in Northampton, Buddy Pairs will strut their stuff on the runway in the Second Annual Best Buddies Fall Fashion Show.

The theme is “Yes, we CAN model!” because being in the limelight in this capacity is one the last places that most people expect to see people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Family, friends, and community members will enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a fabulous show with the friendly and supportive crowd cheering on the buddies!

Hosted by our friends at Jackson & Connor (www.jacksonandconnor.com), this is a free event that is open to the public.

Next up, to celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month in October, Whole Foods Market in Hadley is hosting a display of pumpkins during the second half of the month that are decorated by local Best Buddies and Special Olympics participants!

The pumpkins will be displayed throughout the store along with information to raise awareness about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and our programs.

On the night before Halloween, weather permitting, a pumpkin lighting ceremony will be held in the early evening outside the store. The public is welcome to attend this event and learn more about local Best Buddies and Special Olympics programs. Tickets will be on sale for Artistic Abilities.

The major annual fall event in Western Massachusetts is happening on Thursday, November 5 at CityStage in downtown Springfield: Presented by Baystate Health, the FOURTH ANNUAL ARTISTIC ABILITIES EXHIBITION AND SILENT AUCTION is an exciting and unique evening affair that showcases the talents of local artists, musicians, and chefs with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Local professional artists pair up with Best Buddies and Riverside Arts Participants to create visual art pieces, and the pairs will be at the event to meet the crowd and talk about their collaboration process. Integrated musician pairs and groups from a variety of crowd-pleasing genres will perform during the evening, showcasing the musical talents of Berkshire Hills Music Academy participants.

This year, the event is even tastier with the addition of local chefs who are pairing up with Best Buddies participants to create delicious culinary creations. A fabulous silent auction, cash bar, catered light fare, television coverage and MC from 22News, artwork, and live entertainment all come together for an inspiring and fun evening that highlights the talents of people with and without disabilities.

Please visit www.bestbuddiesma.org/artisticabilities to buy tickets online and for info about the silent auction and our wonderful sponsors.

For more information about any of these events or to purchase tickets or advertising space for Artistic Abilities, please email Ilana at IlanaGerjuoy@bestbuddies.org or call 413-259-1714.