DENVER – Nestled among the shops and galleries in the Santa Fe Art District is a space dedicated solely to accessibility. The Access Gallery, which opened in 1978 as the VSA Colorado/Access Gallery, creates economic opportunities for young artists living with disabilities. Part studio, part exhibition, Access Gallery showcases the colorful work of the resident artists while offering educational opportunities for them to strengthen their craft.
“I want people to see a person with a disability for who they are, not for what their disability may be, but their abilities,” said Amy Siegel, the marketing and sales specialist at Access Gallery.
Colorado Voices
Where art meets accessibility
Access Gallery offers space for artists with disabilities to strengthen their craft.
Siegel has decades of experience in the corporate world of design and left to pursue her passion of working for the nonprofit Access Gallery.
“I started volunteering for Access Gallery back in 2005. I am so thankful to work here. The artists here is what gets me out of bed,” Siegel said. “It’s gratifying to see how far these artists have come and see them develop their techniques. People need to know that our artists are not doing ‘arts-n-crafts’, they are doing real artwork, and we do corporate commissions.”
Nicole showing off her colorful collage of dinosaurs.
Several art pieces by Access Gallery artists are displayed through the Denver metro area. Jocelyn’s digital portrait of Aretha Franklin is currently displayed on an electric box on Colfax Avenue (1775 E Colfax). Louis’ billboard display of colorful vehicles stuck in traffic is located on Champa Street between 13th and 14th street. Nicole’s pop art collage of dinosaurs and dragons can be spotted on the 16th Street Mall.
Jocelyn, who also works at the Peace and Humanity Smoothie Bus, said her artwork is inspired by her love of old school music, iconic television shows and most importantly, her mother, who passed away.
“My mom was the biggest inspiration in my life and always encouraged me to be who I wanted to be. Losing her was a big shock. It was so unexpected. I have several portraits I drew of my mother. It’s the best way I can honor her,” Jocelyn explained. “My mother is beautiful, amazing, and supportive. I love her.”
AJ, an Access Gallery artist, shared with Rocky Mountain PBS that he has been sketching since he was a child.
“Artwork is full of magic,” AJ said. “I have so much support from friends and family. I create pixel art, computer art, painting, and cartooning.”
Brittany, another Access Gallery artist, said she feels safe and encouraged at the gallery. As a mixed-media artist, Murdock can create anything from wearable art like bracelets and keychains to paintings.
“I can express myself through my art,” Brittany said. “Access Gallery gives me the space where I can be myself and create art at the same time.”
Lindsey Ford is a multimedia journalist for Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at lindseyford@rmpbs.org.
