Latitude Artist Community

Latitude Artist Community "WORKS IN PROGRESS" February 16th&17th

2012-01-24T20:36:00.091-05:00

Welcome to
Latitude Artist Community's
WORKS IN PROGRESS
a series of free events designed to introduce you to Latitude's new home, to update you on the progress of Latitude's artist's, to engage you in provocative workshops and demonstration classes and to entertain you with free performances, lectures, readings, art exhibits and more.
-----
February 16th (Thur) and 17th (Fri) 2012
Latitude Artist Community
948 Manchester Street, Lexington KY
more info: Bruce Burris, Crystal Bader
(859) 806-0195, Latitudearts@yahoo.com, http://latitudeart.blogspot.com/ visit Latitude on facebook

Albert Moser

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, February 16th, 1-3pm

The Body Project (at Latitude)

This is a free workshop facilitated by Louisville based performance artist Lauren Argo. We are limited to 20 participants. Please call or email Bruce or Crystal (above) to reserve a space.

Lauren Argo

About The Body Project

This is a concept based workshop with performance artist Lauren Argo that explores creative expression, imagination and how we feel and relate to the "inside and outside" of our bodies. participants will create a sense of ensemble by interacting together through stretching, movement and games which explore the personal and collective physical freedoms and limitations of the group. Body maps will be created individually as an exploratory exercise and will later be used as a backdrop for a performance.

For more info on The Body Project Workshop click here

re animations

Thursday, February 16th, 6-9pm

re animations

reviving/revisiting the performance art of ELandF projects

at Institute 193, 193 North Limestone St., Lexington, KY

ELandF projects is a program of Latitude Artist Community

For more info on re animations click here

-----
Friday, February 17th 9am- 3pm

Latitude Artist Community - Open House

Ever wonder what a typical day at Latitude's studio is like? Well, this is your chance to find out. Drop on by for a tour of our new space, have a cup of coffee, view artwork and chat with studio mentors. We especially recommend this to those who may be thinking of attending Latitude in the future.

-----
Friday, February 17th 6pm- 10pm

WORKS IN PROGRESS (at Latitude)

Art Exhibits featuring various Latitude artists

*a solo art exhibit featuring the work of Albert Moser

ROMI

*a solo art exhibit featuring the work of graffiti/stencil artist ROMI

*lectures by Phillip Jones and Chase Martin of Institute 193 on Latitude artists Jessie Dunahoo, Paul McGurl, Tony Dunn and Beverly Baker

*a reading featuring the work of Meg Pike

*a recognition and remembrance of Latitude artist Bobby Gibilisco

*and at Mecca (A Live Studio) our new neighbor, you can sample demonstration classes throughout the evening.

9pm (at Mecca) performance
and recognition/remembrance of Bobby Gibilisco

Join performance artist Lauren Argo as she premiers her new work the Body project. This new work was created in collaboration with Latitude Artist Community. Lauren will also present two short multi-media performances, will i be pretty? and how to be pretty.

-----

About Lauren: Lauren Argo is a Kentucky native is a Gaines Fellow and UK Alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater. She is an installation and performance artist as well as an actor, director and playwright. Lauren gained national recognition for her public performance piece, Life As Art: 21 Days In 21C where she lived in an 8x5 storefront window for 21 days with a web cam to explore the ideas of public and private, reality and presentation and observer and performer.

-----
Miss Argo recently collaborated in writing and starring in The Triangle Project (Looking For Lillith Theatre Company, Louisville, KY) with a New York Tour for the 100th Centennial of the Triangle Factory Fire. Lauren is recognized for her themes of feminine beauty, reality vs. fantasy, memory, and southern culture and heritage.

Bobby Gibilisco

Thank you to all who have contributed to WORKS IN PROGRESS.

In particular we wish to acknowledge the generous gift made by Bobby Gibilisco's family which was used to support the efforts of Lauren Argo. We feel that Bobby would have enjoyed her workshop and performance.

Also special thanks to Teresa Tomb of Mecca (A Live Studio) and to Phillip Jones and Chase Martin of Institute 193.

The Body Project (Thurs Feb 16) free workshop with performance artist Lauren Argo

2012-01-21T10:35:00.007-05:00

On Thursday February 16th and Friday February 17th, Latitude Artist Community is presenting "Works In Progress" which will introduce the public to our wonderful new space at 948 Manchester St. in Lexingon's Distillery District. During this time we are offering an exciting slate of performances, workshops, readings, exhibits and more!
For more info: Bruce Burris or Crystal Bader (859) 806-0195, latitudearts@yahoo.com
.....
Thursday, February 16th, 1-3pm.
The Body Project is a workshop facilitated by Louisville based performance artist Lauren Argo.
This workshop is free and open to the public. We are limited to a total of 20 participants. Please call or email Bruce or Crystal (above) at Latitude to reserve a space.
.....

the BODY Project: A workshop exploring the body, inside and out with performance artist Lauren Argo

Thursday, February 16, 2012

1-3PM

the BODY Project is a concept based workshop with performance artist Lauren Argo that explores creative expression, imagination and how we feel and relate to the “inside and outside” of our bodies. In the first part, or, “Act 1” of the workshop, participants will create a sense of ensemble by interacting together through stretching, movement and games to explore the personal and collective physical freedoms and limitations of the group. Body maps will be created individually as an explorative exercise that will later be used as a backdrop for the performance. Masks will be introduced and created as a powerful medium that participants can choose to incorporate in the second part of the workshop.

.....

“Act II”of the workshop will focus on how to tell the body’s story from the beginning (birth) to the end (death) with emphasis on physical challenges and the mind’s response. Participants will create a movement map to give direction for the loose choreography that will then be created and set to music. Masks and props will be incorporated as desired during several rehearsals with a final performance for the group to end the session. Participant’s body maps and masks created during the workshop will be used in the following evening’s performance, the BODY project by Miss Argo.

.....

And on

Friday, February 17, 9pm

the BODY project (and some other fine works)

live performances by artist Lauren Argo

.....

Join performance artist Lauren Argo as she premieres her new work, the BODY project. This new work as created in collaboration with Latitude Artist Community. Argo will also present two short multi-media performances, will i be pretty? and how to be pretty. in her continued artistic exploration of the limitations of the human mind, body and spirit.
Click here for a great video on Lauren

.....

All events associated with Latitude's "Works In Progress" are underwritten by the family of our dear friend Bobby Gibilisco. Many thanks to our friends at Mecca Live Studio and Institute 193 for support and for hosting portions of "Work In Progress" in their spaces.

Many thanks to "The Crankies" for a wonderful workshop!

2012-01-20T18:11:00.001-05:00

Thanks to The Crankies for a wonderful workshop and to Institute 193 for sponsoring it. See a great video of the workshop here

Latitude artist Albert Moser @ Institute 193

2012-01-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

Latitude artist Albert Moser opening reception this Thursday Jan 12 6-9 pm at Institute 193. Here's something from Latitude's very first exhibit of Alberts work in 2006!
-----------------------------
Sat/October 14 – Art Opening – Works by Albert Moser at Third Street Stuff Coffee
All are invited to a reception for artist Albert Moser, this Saturday October 14, from 7-9pm at Third Street Stuff Coffee (257 North Limestone – near the corner of Limestone and 3rd St).

About Albert Moser (by Bruce Burris): Albert Moser walks in - seemingly out of nowhere - pockets jammed with scribbled papers and talking New Jersey- which is a language I understand. He proceeds to show me the amazing small drawings he has - folded Origami like in his shirt pocket. On the back of an ad for a Kung Fu Academy Albert has drawn something of a cross between a psychedelic road map and a tattoo - "I'll never pay for a piece of paper" he exclaims proudly.

Though Albert is in his 70's this is his first art exhibit. Albert still lives in Trenton New Jersey - as an ad for Vito's Italian Restaurant in Trenton - which Albert has transformed - attests to. Albert’s sister lives here in Lexington and he visits her on occasion - which is how I came to meet Albert one day - quite accidentally. I hope you enjoy Albert's work as much as I do - and remember - there is never a need to buy paper!

(Un)dressing Normal, An (Un)conference on Sexuality for those us Dislabled

2012-01-14T11:53:00.004-05:00

Undressing Normal
An (Un) conference on Sexuality for those of us DisLabled
Latitude Artist Community is proud to be a sponsor of this important (Un) conference. Latitude's email list goes out to many people and we are inviting anyone to participate - but in particular we urge those considered to have disabilities and all those associated with provider agencies to attend. The conference is limited to the first 100 who sign up. The cost is $10.00 and anyone who wishes may attend on scholarship - its as simple as clicking on the box!
Hope to see you there.
...
Undressing Normal
An (Un)conference on Sexuality for those of us DisLabled
Friday, February 10, 10am- 4pm
Clarion Hotel, Lexington, KY
...
Undressing Normal Blog: http://undressingnormal.wordpress.com/
Registration: http://undressingnormal.wordpress.com/register-for-the-unconference/
Sponsors: Latitude Artist Community, Human Development Institute-UK, Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, ProgressLex

About the conference:
We welcome all people and acknowledge that whatever your orientation and/or disability labels are, you are well within the range of human normality. Our focus will be on minority sexualities and gender identities within the context of services to persons who are considered by some to have disabilities. The creators of the unconference have a particular interest in the rights of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, as well as those who work to support them. We seek to create a welcoming community for all lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, asexual, queer, questioning, straight, and other people to discuss issues of concern.

The unconference will take place February 10, 2012, at the Clarion Hotel at 1950 Newtown Pike in Lexington Kentucky. Further registration information and further details will be posted here as they become available.

Some possible topics for Undressing Normal sessions:
■Defining sexuality
■Power and privilege
■Monetary implications
■Sexuality and the autism spectrum
■Supporting LGBTQ clients and staff
■Legal issues for individuals with intellectual disabilities and those who support them
■Into the nursing home and back into the closet
■Sexuality throughout the lifespan
■Parenting and the eternal child stereotype

Who should attend Undressing Normal?
■People with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and people regarded as having disabilities.
■Direct support staff for people with disabilities.
■Directors and staff of agencies charged with supporting people with disabilities.
■Educators, administrators, psychologists, social workers and other professionals.
■Policy makers and government agency staff.
■People of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
■Advocates, and all citizens or individuals who are interested in supporting the rights of people with disabilities.

This list is not comprehensive, but is a sample of stakeholders we hope will attend the (Un)Conference.

Lexington Herald- Leader Op-Ed article by Latitude advocates Kimber Brickey and Stacey Earley

2012-01-07T12:51:00.001-05:00

Lexington Herald-Leader Op-Ed January 1, 2012
Small LexTran route changes could make libraries more accessible
By Kimber Brickey and Stacey Earley
---
We are mentoring partners in Latitude Artist Community's LifeLab program, which pairs a mentor with a person who wishes to explore the community. LifeLab partners work together to access community resources and create chances to contribute meaningfully to our community.
---
In November and December we worked on becoming familiar with LexTran, Lexington's public bus system. We chose places that LifeLab partners often go, such as libraries, YMCAs and shopping centers, with easy and/or inexpensive access to community resources. We got bus system maps and found the best routes to our destinations. We learned about the free trolley downtown, how to pay a reduced fare, transfer and generally use the route timetables to plan our trips, with the goal of compiling this information for other LifeLab participants.
---
We were happy to see that all buses and trolleys have places for wheelchairs, "kneeling" doorways and priority seating for elders and people with disabilities. But we also found something that worried us.
Two of Lexington's biggest libraries, Beaumont and Tates Creek, are inaccessible by regular LexTran bus. On the No. 3 Tates Creek route, the closest stop, 0.6 miles from the library, is at Tates Creek and Armstrong Mill, where the bus turns east away from Tates Creek. The stop is on dirt next to a very narrow shoulder and many yards from the intersection. There is no sidewalk. There are sidewalks on th eother side of Tates Creek, a very busy four-lane road, but it's still a 10-minute uphill walk to the library.
---
The stop in the other direction is even more dangerous, about a half-block from Tates Creek and closer to the road. When we made our trip, it had been raining and we had to walk through mud. The situation at Beaumont is almost the same, except one stop is at least on the same side of Harrodsburg Road as the library, and it's 0.4 miles to the library.
---
In other words, a person with any kind of mobility issue, or whose vision is impaired, could never get to two of the city's finest libraries using the bus. Sure, they could use Wheels door-to-door transportation if they qualify under Medicaid, but why shouldn't they be able to take the regular bus? What's the point of having space for wheelchairs if people with wheelchairs, or even elders who need some kind of support to walk, can't get to two of the city's best resources?
---
Libraries provide free computer access, classes, community events, information and entertainment. Shouldn't people be able to get to them easily?
---
Right now there is no bus that goes into Beaumont Circle (where there is a YMCA, another inaccessible community resource). The Tates Creek bus turns off the main road before it even gets to the library. If these buses just made slight detour to stop at these libraries, would it really inconvenience anyone?
---
It's a shame it's assumed that anyone who wants to use these libraries must own a car.
LexTran needs to re-route the No. 3 Tates Creek and No. 13 Beaumont buses to provide better access for everyone in the community.
---
About the authors Kimber Brickey is a participant in Latitude Artist Community's LifeLab. Stacey Earley works at Latitude and serves as a LifeLab mentor. Latitude, a private agency serving adults who have disabilities to help them contribute to the life of their community, is an accredited provider of Supports for Community Living.
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/01/2012340/small-lextran-route-changes-could.html#storylink=cpy

A first day peek at our new space- 948 Manchester Street!

2012-01-03T20:39:00.000-05:00

Nancy Covert "Ourselves Masked" at Third Street Coffee

2012-01-03T11:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays from Latitude Artist Community

2011-12-22T13:27:00.003-05:00

2011-12-16T07:49:00.002-05:00

I.D.eaWorks

2011-12-15T15:06:00.001-05:00

I.D.eaWorks is a new Latitude initiative. In it we commission artists to create new works in whatever way(s) they desire and without oversight or censorship as we simultaneously fundraise with the particular artist’s project in mind. First up this May/June is Lexington artist Robert Beatty: http://threeleggedrace.bandcamp.com/

Lexington's Holiday Parade

2011-12-10T12:01:00.002-05:00

Our thanks to Lexington Mayor Jim Gray who we marched with - and to everyone who helped out and participated with us in Lexington's Annual Holiday Parade!

Look for an exhibit by Latitude artist Tony Dunn @ Institute 193 in 2012!

2011-12-03T07:19:00.000-05:00

Institute 193 Sells Out

2011-11-29T14:25:00.001-05:00

Through December look for Latitude artists Paul McGurl, Tony Dunn and Norma B, Meg Pike and more in Institute 193's annual "Institute 193 Sells Out!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T15:26:00.002-05:00

Latitude at Balagula Theater

2011-11-18T11:16:00.005-05:00

"In Order To Feel Like A Human Again"
... an installation by Latitude Artist Community at Balagula Theater (at Natasha's) beginning next week. Our installation is based on text from the David Sedaris play "The Book of Liz" which will be performed during the period of our installation. Of particular interest to both Balagula and Latitude fans... some proceeds from the performance of "The Book of Liz" on Tuesday Nov. 29th will benefit Latitude Artist Community + there will be a short presentation prior to the performance about Latitude. Hope to see many of our friends there!

New Latitude Book: three gardens/eating in babylon by Meg Pike

2011-11-02T14:41:00.003-04:00

three gardens/eating in babylon
by Meg Pike by Meg Pike with Latitude Artist Community | Make Your Own Book

Red... an installation by Betsy

2011-10-28T15:33:00.001-04:00

Albert Moser at UK's Chandler Health Center

2011-10-19T07:42:00.000-04:00

Latitude artist Albert Moser at UK's Chandler Health Center

lives shaped by boxes...

2011-09-27T14:19:00.016-04:00

…..
Lives shaped by boxes…
by Latitude Artist Community with Caitlin Serey
a box-folding ritual performance/meditation which examines the tedium associated with this very typical form of work/employment common to those of us considered by some to have disabilities…
.....
Thursday, October 20th
at Latitude Artist Community
167 Saunier St., Lexington, KY
.....
9:00am-3:00pm Meditation--the public is invited to attend/observe this performance at any time during this period. This performance is free and open to everyone.

12:30pm-1:00pm Presentations--various presenters/readers will share information regarding concerns, observations and alternatives to this veiled form of work/employment
.....
It is our belief that most forms of employment held by those of us considered by some to have disabilities, even (and often particularly) those jobs held in high regard by employment specialists are quite often isolating and unfulfilling. While our performance "Lives shaped by boxes..." seemingly references employment practices most common to "Sheltered Workshops" our intention is not to single out workshop environments but to use this opportunity to examine all forms of employment common to those of us considered (particularly) to have intellectual disabilities.
.....
More info: Bruce Burris (859) 806-0195, latitudearts@yahoo.com
_______________________________________________________
Many thanks to the 60+ who attended and to all those who lent a hand!
From Institute 193:
Today at Latitude Artist Community, Caitlin Serey and the Latitude artists presented a performance that examines the tedium associated with the forms of employment that people considered to have disabilities often hold. A box-folding ritual was designed to explore aspects of work that can be isolating or unfulfilling, especially in the context of jobs that employment specialists and social workers hold in high regard for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Presentations and discussions accompanied the performance.
Click here for performance video
Written by an artist at Latitude about her own work experience:
I work when they have a job--whenever they need us. I put tabs on different bottles. It’s sticky and it stinks. I like my job. I get to sit down and I do it and you push the plastic with your thumbs. And sometimes you have to open them boxes and THAT is hard work. It’s not fun when they don’t punch ‘em out right and I have to go back and punch ‘em out again. I can do it. Sometimes I have to label the boxes. If they don’t have any work for us we have to stay all day. We make money but we have to count each and every box we do. If the boxes’ top parts are closed we have to pull with all our might to get ‘em open. They are HARD to get open! I never seen the like! But you have to open them and put the little bottles next to the big bottles. That is hard work--the little bottle has to be on the side JUST RIGHT. So you never know how much you’ll make. Let me tell you, when you go home your thumbs are blistered and let me tell you, they hurt. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? It’s not fun.
photos (with thanks to Phillip Jones)

On lives shaped by boxes:

Life Beyond the Box: A Performance of Life and Work

Marshall J. Duncan

Gustav Courbet’s The Painter’s Studio is an enchanting glimpse of the artist’s atelier in 1844. There’s so much going on; we transplant ourselves into the artist’s canvas where dogs play with children and men tell high tales and women glance over their shoulder to see who is making an entrance and poets darken the corners with solemn preoccupations while violins play and the smells of incense, mold, and sweat are almost as real as we dare to imagine. The power of nostalgia emanates from the moment where the occurrence was observed, documented, and over time matures to antiquity to the point where we try to recreate that event in our minds. Reaffirming Courbet’s theme of realism the creation of art and appreciation of art is a shared experience as opposed to being an isolated or exclusionary event that is an elitist privilege. Such an experience happened last week at the Latitude Atelier where Caitlin Serey gave a performance of folding and unfolding cardboard boxes. Serey performed this act of labor—or perhaps meditative ritual—while art students and other friends of Latitude came by to observe, ask questions, and share the experience. Just like The Painter’s Studio the center of focus is Serey working while in the background people chat, the Latitude artists are working on their own projects, Modest Mouse gently resonates from the boom-box, and the aroma of Starbucks coffee fills the room.

Shared observations make the world real and give us purpose to live passionately when our menial occupations such as making cardboard boxes tend to make us feel separated from the essence of humanity. Looking at The Painter’s Studio we might feel envious of the people in this scene who seem to be preoccupied with something else but—even so—are collectively unified in sharing and expressing their appetite for living the moment; we might feel that our ability to express oneself has been marginalized by popular media or by cognitive reciprocity—our inability to give without expecting something in return. These inward thoughts provoke complex emotions of envy, contempt, and angst which in turn lead to irrational and complacent expressions that make up our sporadic, un-rhythmic, and un-celebrated lives; no wonder our own reality seems bleak compared to the vivacious menagerie that consumes every square inch of Courbet’s canvass.

As witness to last week’s box folding performance and the ensuing kinetic events that are evolving I have a renewed sense of pride for being able to share my own ideas while learning something new as well as a heightened sense of awareness of community members that aren’t looking for some sort of immediate gratification but are instead enjoying the shared experience of a simple task. Additionally the vivid memory that I share with a roomful of people shall in turn be recreated for another audience and therefore in the future we all shall share the collective comfort of celebrating life’s little accomplishments and forever preserve the spirit of nostalgia and the esteemed privilege of inclusiveness through art.

Kimber Brickey "FOR ANIMALS" opening at Third Street Stuff, Oct. 6th 5-7pm

2011-09-27T14:04:00.002-04:00

Please join Latitude artist Kimber Brickey for an opening of her art show "For Animals." Kimber will be showing her animal advocacy posters. There will also be a petition signing to stop the proposed hunt in Kentucky of the Sandhill Crane, which will be presented by Kimber in Frankfort the following day preceding the final vote on the hunt legislation, scheduled for Oct. 11.

Local environmental activist Dave Cooper will speak at 6pm and show a video about the cranes.
Don't forget, it's Happy Hour! All coffee and tea drinks half price during the event.
For more information about the cranes: http://kyc4sandhillcranes.wordpress.com/
Text of the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/sandhill-cranes-new-plan/
Dave Cooper's recent article about the cranes in the Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-cooper/kentucky-hunters-to-open-_b_918958.html

Latitude's Tuolumne Meadows on September 16

2011-09-11T09:44:00.006-04:00

Latitude's

Tuolumne Meadows

Friday September 16, 10am- 2pm

Thanks to all who made Tuolumne Meadows such a success!

Mike "Icelandic"

2011-08-31T12:42:00.001-04:00

These tiny- fragile ties are mysterious and seem full of meaning. Mike began creating them about 6 mos ago. They have an incredible depth- Mike works on them for hours. What wonderful things. Thanks for this Mike!

Latitude artist Jessie Dunahoo - opening reception at Thunder-Sky Inc.

2011-08-27T15:05:00.000-04:00

2011-08-27T14:57:00.005-04:00

Sound: artist/musicians Warren Byrom and Robert Beatty dropped by to collaborate with Latitude artists. Lots of incredible sounds - it was thrilling. Come back soon! Jessie Dunahoo collaboration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPtchBLZzX0
On Robert Beatty: http://www.institute193.org/index.php?/projects/nones-/

Our Citizen Avocate of the Year Award and PUSH America recognition lunch!

2011-08-01T16:07:00.000-04:00

Morry La Tour receives Latitude's first Citizen Advocate of the Year Award from Vice Mayor Linda Gorton

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray addresses PUSH America bike team

All of us!

Our thanks to Morry La Tour and PUSH America, Vice Mayor Gorton, Mayor Gray, Florence Crittendon and Raising Cane's

Latitude's 1st Citizen Advocate of the Year Award

2011-07-13T11:38:00.005-04:00

Morry La Tour (middle)

Press Release.............................................................................

Latitude Artist Community's Citizen Advocate of the Year Award
will be presented on
Monday, August 1,12:30pm
at Latitude Artist Community
167 Saunier St, Lexington
Contact Bruce Burris: 859 806-0195, latitudearts@yahoo.com

Lexington's Vice Mayor, Linda Gorton will be presenting Latitude's first Annual Citizens Advocate of the Year Award. This award was conceived to recognize citizens who have undertaken extraordinary service on behalf of the community. Though the award places special emphases on those who support disability culture, the award may go to any community organizer who serves passionately, creatively and courageously to enrich all our lives.

Morry La Tour, our first recipient, served as the first Chair of the Mayor's Commission for Citizens with Disabilities. Among his many notable achievements, Mr. La Tour has done much to help create a more reliable and accessible public transportation system for Lexington.

In Attendance:
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray
Bike Team Members of PUSH America
a cross country bicycle trip raising awareness of disability culture

Latitude Artist Community
Owners, Crystal Bader, Bruce Burris

Symbolism of the Shadow: On Jessie Dunahoo's Art a s Canopy to our World By Jerry Duncan

2011-07-12T14:44:00.001-04:00

Symbolism of the Shadow: On Jessie Dunahoo's Art as Canopy to our World

By Jerry Duncan

The etymology of the word canopy is derived from Greek and Latin origins referring to, konopeion, or mosquito net. Metaphorically the root origin, KaNahPH, which is found in Hebrew translations of the Bible, describes being protected by the wing of a bird. Psalm 17:8 reads, “hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me”, and the symbolism of a shadow is interpreted differently in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” The difference pertains to our association with life existing above ground and death residing below ground.

The layers of the physical world—underground, terrain, and hemisphere—are symbolically represented as canopies of our social environment as well as our personal predicament. Socially, the person without inclusion resides underground and shares the canopy of the dead who are immobilized; the person within a group shares the canopy of the living and maintains a mobile existence above ground. From a personal perspective inclusion may result in unwanted exposure leaving the individual defenseless without the ability to go underground; in this case he needs protection from above—hence the wing of the bird metaphor. Conversely exclusion gives the individual the advantage of anonymity because he lives in the land of the dead but he still longs for the canopy of the living.

Conventional representations exist within the empirical study of human behavior. Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a behavioral model for interpreting the motivations of human labor (Figure 1). Ideally the individual moves upward from a basic fundamental need for physiological survival to that of safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Each level asserts a new horizon—a new canopy—allowing a person to share new experiences.

Essentially this is Jessie’s passion—to be included in the land of the living and to be recognized as someone pursuing a higher ground. Those who have limited cognitive communication abilities must find a way to communicate and share their own achievements. All of us share this difficulty because the phenomenon of social consciousness is abstract and exclusionary to some degree.

That is the beauty of art—it represents something unique and yet shared by all; it illustrates a mastery of shape and form, aesthetic dimensionality, and thematic significance; it originates in the heart and is manufactured as a canopy of sorts—to be totally inclusive; to be shared by all.

Jessie Dunahoo’s labor-intensive patchworks made from plastic bags—individually flattened and stitched together with only the cognitive senses of touch and smell—are abstract representations of our social canopy. It is within the dimension of our shared social consciousness that Jessie weaves his craft communicating his desire to share our journey toward self-actualization in life.

Latitude's 4th of July Parade entry

2011-07-11T14:58:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who assisted us in making our 4th of July Parade entry and to those who marched in the parade with us. We had a great time!

Latitude artist Paul McGurl at the Weber Gallery in Louisville

2011-06-28T16:59:00.002-04:00

Currently Latitude artist Paul McGurl and his brother Doug are exhibiting a collaborative collage effort (created at Latitude) at the Weber Gallery in Louisville.

Latitude's (PEAL) takes action on curb cuts

2011-06-16T13:06:00.001-04:00

Lexington's (LFUCG) new ADA Coordinator, Tom Wilson is asking which curb cuts are the worst. We think these two represent the very worst. If you know of others (and we know you do) please send pics and addresses to: twilson@lexingtonky.gov

A survey taken by Latitude's PEAL "Project Easy Access Lexington" rated Short St. as the street with most dangerous curb cuts.

The first picture shows the curb cut on Short and Broadway- here you are forced into moving traffic to actually cross the street. The 2nd pic is at Short and Market- this is the steepest incline of all curb cuts in Lexington- it is almost impossible to go up manually and going down- you are deposited into the street at a very high rate of speed. Years ago we dubbed it the Ski Slope.

"Leaving Lexington" currently at Third Street Coffee

2011-06-14T15:42:00.003-04:00

"LEAVING LEXINGTON", Linsay Holley and HC Leaving home is rarely easy…. sometimes planned…. sometimes not…. leaving your home is steeped in connotations and possibilities both positive and negative. When one is reliant upon a considerable array of social service supports…. in themselves a kind of ghostly vapor…. well, then potential for leaving is further diminished….

The creation of this piece…. the pure of heart of this process in which two very different personalities met briefly to link and form a path was…. in itself fraught with misdirection…. misunderstandings…. and yet it was an incredible opportunity. The physical manifestation of this process…. these things you see in front of you…. are but the smallest essence of this collaboration…. in this perhaps you can grasp the necessity of these things we occasionally do together…. for each other….

Latitude artists Jessie Dunahoo and Beverly Baker to exhibit in London later this summer!

2011-05-24T14:12:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Latitude artists Jessie Dunahoo and Beverly Baker who will be exhibiting at "The Museum of Everything" in London later this summer!

Latitude artist NB at Thunder-Sky Inc. this June

2011-05-24T13:58:00.003-04:00

Look for Latitude artist NB "owls" in an exhibit at Thunder-Sky Inc. in Cincinnati this June!

Latitude's new book: Letter going... drifting

2011-05-16T14:16:00.002-04:00

Letter going... drifting by Steven Elliot and Latitude Artist Community | Make Your Own Book

Serious Tornado Tuscaloosa

2011-05-11T21:17:00.000-04:00

About “Serious Tornado Tuscaloosa”

Serious Tornado Tuscaloosa represents our attempt to make sense of the loss of life and destruction which occurred recently throughout the Southeast during an intense period of tornado activity. Tuscaloosa Alabama was especially hard hit. It’s been a bad tornado season all together- and artists had begun to refer to the sculptural elements (3 spheres) that we were creating well before the Tuscaloosa outbreak- as “Tornado Balls”. When the Tuscaloosa outbreak occurred we responded by focusing on Tuscaloosa more specifically. Our friend, Lynn Pruett who had lived for a number of years in Tuscaloosa and still has many friends in the area shared some of the stories she had of those she has been in touch with sense the tornado. We created a street grid of Tuscaloosa and created a guide which places some of her stories on the grid – as well as references to photos and first person accounts we found on the website of the city newspaper “The Tuscaloosa News”.

Serious Tornado Tuscaloosa

Guide to map/grid:

(1 and 2) from our friend Lynn Pruett)

1. People in Alabama help each other in times such as this, this is where their staunch faith becomes action and community-Lynn Pruett, Lexington

2. When I first saw the footage of the damage I could not recognize anything even though I had lived off 15^th street in the forest Lake Area. All the tall pines cut down, all the house flattened. I called my good friend Dot who lived close to Rosedale to see if she was Okay she said, “I watched it on the T.V. It went on out to the Mall like it always does”.

Lynn Pruett, Lexington

3. Day of Prayer event focuses on uniting to help Tuscaloosa recover after tornado.

4. Store struggles to satisfy demand for chainsaws.

5. List of missing narrows to a dozen people.

6. I went up in a helicopter today, the line of damage is even more dramatic from the air.

7. City weighs options for rebuilding.

8. Just passed three 18-wheelers from feedthechildren.org in Tuscaloosa, Help is everywhere.

9. Marine band gives spirited concert for storm victims.
10. More tears today when driving home on 15^th.

11. Convoy trucks from Georgia power, which was among 1^st organized volunteer efforts, just rolled thru McFarland.

12. CMT will air Disaster Relief concert May 12 with Keith Urban, Hank Jr., Sara Evans, Tim McGraw and more.

Letter going... drifting (performance ritual)

2011-04-25T16:15:00.004-04:00

Letter going... drifting performance/ritual collaboration by Steven and various Latitude Artists. Steven has created thousands of "letters" over the years. For this performance Steven's "letters" were collected in a decorated box and then turned to ash during a mini ritual (video below). The ashes will be placed in a bottle made especially for this and introduced into the waters off New York City- from which Steven hopes it will eventually make its way to Japan.

Latitude artists worked together to create the box and bottle. Afterwards we burned the letters and filled the bottle with the ash.

See a video of the letter burning ritual here!

100 Community Values Project from NOC

2011-04-16T06:46:00.000-04:00

North Of Center

100 Community Values

Sollee partners with Latitude for Merch that Matters

By Niah Soult

“100 Community Values”, a creative collaboration between the Latitude Artist Community and one of Lexington’s finest musicians, Ben Sollee, is one of the more refreshing demonstrations I’ve witnessed of Visual Art functioning as a Walking, Talking, Living thing. Designed to promote the importance of community inclusiveness and more socially conscious practices, the project has resulted in 100 painted canvas bags reflecting 100 different values. The bags will be sold in place of generic concert memorabilia while on tour with Ben Sollee.

Though I say “end-result,” it is truly only the beginning of a larger campaign Sollee calls, “Merch That Matters,” one that he hopes will help shape new attitudes and behavior amongst those seen toting the painted value bags around. Sollee also hopes the merch will inspire other musicians to become more concerned with the message they broadcast beyond their lyrics.

As most professional musicians will tell you, merchandise is a vast resource for generating revenue for touring and recording expenses. It’s also good for advertising fan support and broadening audience demographics.

For Sollee, merchandise was also viewed as an opportunity to amplify his upcoming album,Inclusions, while showcasing the artistic capacity of a community. The locally made artwork, it’s hoped, will inspire others in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

Thus, “Merch That Matters.” Who better to help give life form to this idea, Sollee thought, than Latitude Artist Community, an organization aimed at providing inclusive and creative experiences with people relegated to having a “disability.”

100 Community Values aimed to recruit Lexington Artists to partner up with those at Latitude, mobilize and serve as a powerful language from one community to the next while on tour. As an outgrowth of that project, “Merch That Matters” now serves as a new vehicle for Sollee’s own contribution towards social change.

In additon to inspiring other artists to incorporate “Merch That Matters”-type sales into their tour-gear, but that it will also elevate levels of awareness and more inclusive social practices amongst audience members.

“100 Community Values is a powerful link, connecting real people from one community to another, and the effect is immeasurable,” says Sollee. “[W]e plan to include a variety of artisans from the towns we visit on tour.”

My story: Fireworks at Lattitude

Back in February while fetching my fix for a Dirty Chai Latte at Third Street Coffee (home to many Latitude Art exhibits), I noticed an open invitation that described the project and reached out to local artists. As one who finds the creative exchange more than fulfilling, I eagerly contacted Bruce Burris and Crystal Bader, co-founders of Latitude, who invited me over to participate.

Having only discovered my own advocacy for community about 6 years ago when I relocated to the corner of N. Limestone and York, I’ve been inspired by other artists who have not just actualized the power of artistic expression as a language but who also are compelled to utilize the creative process as a form of community engagement. Artists and community activists like Burris and Bader share my motivation.

For those of you who have never visited Latitude, its 167 Saunier Street entrance is very unassuming, aside from the black and white horses painted next to it on a garage door. The energy emitted upon walking in is best described as a secret hideaway discovered for the first time in childhood. On the day of my visit, a workshop led by Lonnie Holley, an internationally exhibited artist, was scheduled that was organized by Institute 193 founder Phillip Jones. Sollee was also in attendance.

The community that Burris and Bader have created is extremely open and all-inclusive. Colorful and radiating with creativity, my excitement was hard to contain as I watched, demonstrated, learned, painted, talked, joked, and shared the creative process with my partner at Latitude.

We received “Fireworks,” one of the designated themed bags Burris drew blindly from a pile of incompletes. It was a perfect depiction of the explosive and transformative experience lighting me up from the inside out. It was also a good description of the Latitude community itself, which mixes all ages, ethnicities, genders, and “abilities.”

My partner and I adapted some of the techniques taught by Holly earlier that morning, allowing us to create two pieces of artwork at the same time! The end result was a night sky lit up with bursts of color atop a silhouetted crowd of people, their arms stretching into the air. In the top right corner of the bag is the word “Boom,” which is probably my favorite element, for it reminds me of the best imitated sound-effect of a firework I’ve ever heard.

I suspect, Merch That Matters will quickly become a sideshow traveling alongside the concert experience. I’m proud to be a resident of Lexington, where we are fortunate enough to have passionate artistic activists who are redefining what it means to live in a commonwealth, a group of people linked by something they all have in common: music, art, and matters of the heart.

The Ben Sollee tour kicks off May 4 and 5 at the Lyric Theatre, where Merch That Matters will be introduced and 100 Community Values painted canvas bags will be available for purchase, benefiting a local charity. Look for Sollee’s new record Inclusions to be released May 10. For more info contact Bruce Burris at (859) 806-0195.

Our new book on the "100 Community Values" project

2011-04-14T14:52:00.002-04:00

100 Community Values Project by Latitude Artist Community | Make Your Own Book

Latitude's Annual Health and Wellness Program!

2011-03-31T10:39:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Latitude’s Annual Health and Wellness Program!

It's all free and open to everyone

Encarta Encyclopedia: TRANSPORTATION a means of traveling or of carrying somebody or something from one place to another.

This year our Health and Wellness theme is “transportation” and we will be providing a number of workshops which will deal with the theme of transportation in some very original and healthful ways! Transportation was selected as our theme this year as it is also the theme of the Annual Disabilities Expo here in Lexington on April 21^st at Lexington Center, and as usual Latitude artists will not only be attending – but participating in this interesting, exciting and important event.

All our Health and Wellness Workshops are open to the entire community and are free.
Latitude is located at 167 Saunier Street (downtown Lexington)
for more info: Bruce Burris (859) 806-0195, latitudearts@yahoo.com
---------------------------------------

Latitude’s 2011 Health and Wellness Schedule

---------------------------------------

Wednesday April 13, 10:00am- 12:00pm

Film and Photography Workshop
Film maker Patti Parsons will present information about her own films. Speaking of transportation, Patti has made a number of short films which deal with accessibility issues. (sound familiar PEAL members?) Patti will also demonstrate how she edits films and she will work with us in creating our own slide show (which will consist of 30 photos we took related to disability issues)
More on Patti here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHSwJdQ030k

------------------------------------------

Wednesday April 13, 1:00pm- 2:00pm Urban Farming and Green Living with Angela Spiers
special guest Jim Embry
It's not exactly Green Acres but Angela lives on a small farm in Fayette County.
She’ll talk to us about farm life, why good food is important and how to recycle material efficiently. We will also be planting some tomatoes to take home (Thanks Kentucky Tomato Project). Now what does all this have to do with transportation? Well, Angela specializes in raising free range chickens and she’ll be bringing a few of them in with her to “free range” (transport) around Latitude for the afternoon.

------------------------------------------

Thursday April 14, 11:00am- 12:00pm
Your role in City Government
City Councilperson Peggy Henson will join us to discuss how Lexington’s city government works and how we can be involved in government. Ok- so how is this linked to transportation? Well, Peggy serves on LFUCG’s Commission for Citizens with Disabilities and one of the big issues they are dealing with is bus transportation. By the way did you know that Latitude’s Project Easy Access Lexington (PEAL) had a big hand in beginning the commission a few years ago?

--------------------------------------------

Tuesday April 19, 1:00pm- 2:00pm
Public Safety
Join representatives from Lexington’s Police Department as we learn how to identify potential risks in our communities, how to react to threats to our safety and how to report a crime. This is a really important and fun workshop. Because it is important we have it every year. It may not be directly linked to transportation issues but – well – our police does patrol Lexington- this involves transportation- and there you go!

-------------------------------------------

Thursday April 21, 11:00am- 5:00pm
Celebration of Disability Expo and Transportation Fair, Lexington Center
Here is the big Transportation enchilada, this year the annual Disabilities Expo is all about transportation! During this time- we can take rides on Lex Tran busses while learning the do’s and don’ts of bus riding- we will also learn to read bus schedules and more. The goal of the Expo is to learn ways to become more independent. There will be over 100 booths providing information on a variety of disability organizations as well as speakers and entertainment.

Teresa Tomb, director of Mecca Live Dance Studio and Bruce Burris of Latitude will lead a collaborative movement/performance piece. The piece is called “transport the soul” and most definitely reflects the theme of our Expo. (1pm- 2pm) More on Mecca:http://www.rakadu.com/
-----------------------------------------------

past workshops

--------------------------------------------------------

Monday March 14, 10:00am- 11:30am

Self Care and Massage

In this workshop Teresa Goss will present information on and demonstrate massage therapy, paraffin therapy and aroma therapy. Do you think this workshop is about transportation? We think it has lots of to do with it- for one; this type of therapy/experience is trans- formative and speaks to the rhythm and cycles of our bodies. We hope you will take the time to join us in this thoroughly trans- formative experience.

----------------------------------------

Tuesday March 15, 10:30am-11:30am

Chair Yoga Workshop

Theresa Thompson, owner of GrassRootsYoga will present a chair yoga class and provide background on the traditions and craft and practice of yoga. If you are asking yourself what this workshop has to do with transportation- then you might consider this something which transports physically – through various stances and mystically. Intrigued? Then join us!

-----------------------------------------

Tuesday March 15, 1:00-2:00pm

Wilderness Skills, General Fitness and Knot Tying Workshop

This Workshop is taught by Chris Begley an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Tranyslvania University who spends lots of time outdoor due to his profession as an anthropologist, but also because he loves being outside in the wild. Chris’s mode of transportation consists of using his own two feet! Join us for this exciting workshop, learn some survival skills and thrill to Chris’s tales of wilderness adventure.

Some new work by Beverly Baker!

2011-03-12T18:32:00.000-05:00

2011-03-10T07:45:00.001-05:00

Join The James Joyce Alliance for the Rigorous Reading, the Meticulous Inquiry and the Thoughtful Analysis of the Literary Masterpiece Ulysses......
at Latitude this St. Patrick's Day, Thursday March 17th, 1-3pm as we continue our tradition of celebrating the works of Latitude's favorite author- James Joyce!
Those who wish to... may read out loud for periods from our very own "secrid tome" a paperback of Ulysses upon which Allen Ginsberg's tears fell as he read from it in that dream you had...

Workshop @ Latitude with Lonnie Holley

2011-02-26T14:11:00.004-05:00

Many thanks to all who participated in our workshop with Lonnie Holley!
See a short video of the workshop - click here

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday February 28, 10am-12pm
We are so excited to offer a free assemblage/sonic/motion/commotion workshop led by internationally known artist Lonnie Holley with Ben Sollee and Phillip Jones. This workshop is open to anyone in our community, but we have room for only 8 more! If you want to reserve a space please email us at Latitudearts@yahoo.com
Click here for more on Lonnie Holley and Ben Sollee.
This workshop is sponsored by Institute 193

Mary Fields "Wrapped Forms" at Third Street Coffee

2011-02-25T15:29:00.001-05:00

Today Latitude artist Mary Fields visited her exhibit at Third Street Coffee. Here she is with owner Pat Gerhard and artist Louis Bickett
..........
"Wrapped Forms" @ Third Street Coffee
Mary Fields: Wrapped Forms Latitude’s Mary Fields is an astonishing artist. A year or so ago she began to paint some very convincing paintings a few of ...which were exhibited recently at Third Street Coffee. The wrapped forms shown here represent a new facet in her art making endeavors. Some months ago Melanie (Latitude artist/mentor) encouraged artists to try this process (wrapping) and Mary really ran with it. Many other Latitude artists have collaborated with Mary on these two pieces, however Mary is acting as a lead artist here and others have been following suit. These enigmatic forms represent Mary’s interest, energy and ingenuity in exploring this progression.

"Leaving Lexington"

2011-02-25T15:26:00.000-05:00

Lyndsey and HC are working on a collaborative project tentatively known as "Leaving Lexington".

Paul and Doug prepare for their exhibit at Weber Gallery

2011-02-24T19:13:00.001-05:00

In April there will be a group exhibit (25 artists) at the Weber Gallery in Louisville called "Sisters and Brothers" . The work must be created collaboratively by two artists who already had a very strong bond- though it doesn't have to literally be "Sisters and Brother". However in our case - Latitude artist Paul McGurl and his (very real) brother Doug Emerson are creating a piece.

Kentucky Art Council's "Accessibility Advisory Group"

2011-02-10T14:37:00.001-05:00

Today was the first meeting of the Kentucky Art Council's "Accessibility Advisory Group" and we were there...

Choreographer Dave Ingram at Latitude

2011-01-30T11:32:00.000-05:00

This week we were visited by choreographer Dave Ingram of the North Carolina Dance Theatre.

See a short clip of Dave interpreting a collage by Mike C here!

See a short clip of Dave collaborating with Latitude artist Jessie Dunahoo here!

Thanks Dave- see you soon!

Latitude mural in the Lexington Herald-Leader

2011-01-28T16:31:00.001-05:00

For those who drive down N. Limestone now and then, stop at Third Street Stuff and enjoy this community art. Steven Butcher leaves with his morning coffee outside the Third Street Stuff coffee house and store on Jan. 18 in Lexington. The Latitude Artist Community created this wall of art six years ago when Third Street Stuff coffee house opened at 257 N. Limestone Street. From the Latitude website (http://latitudeart.blogspot.com/): "Latitude Artist Community serves all people - with an emphasis on those thought by some to have a disability - by creating meaningful, inclusive community interactions which allow participating artists to contribute culturally and politically to the life of their community." Photo by David Perry | Staff

Artist Lyndsey Fryman at Latitude's "Phantom Place Project Space"

2011-01-19T07:01:00.002-05:00

Artist Statement Lyndsey Fryman

These figures are a metaphor to talk about an experience as a mother and the relationship I have with my children. Although the forms are based on children, but I have been selective about the amount of information I give the viewer. The work is visually removed from “reality” with the addition of feathers that add an element of physical body language. Physical body language, such as the placement of ears are inspired by cat’s, dog’s and horse, are employed to give these beings a way to speak without making a sound. This addition metaphorically relates to my own experience as a mother of a child with Autism. His symptoms are similar to many who are challenged with the disability of an absence of spoken language, eye contact, social skills and physical communication gestures (pointing, waving and reaching).

I am interested in understanding their physiological states and the outward expression of those experiences. Reading into those outwardly expressed emotions give me clues of what they are going though, what they think or feel. Being able to hear the unspoken language of my children allows me to communicate with them, and raise concerns for children in general. I want the viewer to begin to realize this through my work. The pieces embody a visual language that has to be interpreted, much like the language I have had to develop to communicate with my children, particularly with my son with Autism.

The mother-child relationship on the surface appears to be “normal”; but there are things that are difficult to access, that may have been overlooked. One has to try harder to get a fuller understanding of the beings. Consequently, I have developed a strong desire to appreciate them as individuals. Because of their conditions, my own experience as a mother has been influenced to realize the importance of those things precious and yet taken for granted.

wrapped form

2011-01-07T14:13:00.001-05:00

MF has been working on this wrapped form for a few weeks. This began as a collaborative effort, and off and on throughout the process collaborations between other Latitude artists and Mentors did occur- but this is essentially the creation of Mary Vista and is certainly reminscent of the work of Judith Scott which you can see here: http://creativegrowth.org/gallery/judith-scott/

Coming to the Central Library on Jan. 20th

2011-01-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

We are very excited about a film coming up at the Central Library Jan 20, 6pm- part KET's Community Cinema. "For Once In My Life" is film about a band of which many members have disabilities. The film is free. Crystal and Bruce will be on a panel after the film and we hope to see many of our friends there. Click here for more information

2010-12-23T10:54:00.002-05:00

100 Community Values

2010-12-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

We are reaching the back stretch of our "100 Community Values" project. To update, local musician Ben Sollee asked us to decorate 100 canvas bags which he will offer for sale while on tour later this winter. In the meantime we liked the idea of "100" and turned this into a installation/performance... with the outcome... of selling our bags. First we spent a month making all kinds of lists of what we consider to be essential community values (you can see the lists in pics) then we pared it down to our top 100 values. Each value was then assigned a canvas bag and the idea is to create an image on the bag that is in some way relative to its assigned value.
Meanwhile we just hung an exhibit of some of the finished bags and our lists of values at Third Street Stuff. Here is where you come in- if you like you can drop over any weekday morning and work on our bags with us. Just give us a call or email us first. By the way - we will be donating the proceeds we make from our bags to a local charity.

Finished bags at Third Street Coffee

One of many lists of community values

community values lists at Latitude- installation

text at Third Street Coffee

installation at Third Street Coffee

2010-11-23T13:52:00.002-05:00

This Saturday, 11am-5pm purchase art by Latitude artists Beverly Baker, Tony Dunn, Angela Bethel, MegP, Albert Moser, Kenny Taylor, MikeC, PaulM at Institute 193, part of "Institute 193 Sells Out"
Drawing by Tony Dunn

2010-11-22T12:26:00.002-05:00

Here's a poem written by Latitude artists based on Joel Feldman's print "Wolf In Sheep's Clothing" (on left) currently on exhibit at Latitude as part of Institute 193's "One Nail Gallery".

Thanks to all who attended the Latitude/PEAL reception at City Council Lobby!

2010-11-20T07:55:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all who attended our reception at the City Council Lobby. Special thanks to Councilperson Doug Martin, Jonathan Hollinger and the Lexington Art League!

Latitude's PEAL in Art Beat and Business Lexington

2010-11-18T22:17:00.002-05:00

From Art Beat, November 18

Walk in their shoes.
Ever been pushing a stroller or riding your bike and suddenly THUNK. You’re either trapped in a pot hole or plopping off a 6-inch cliff and thinking, wow, somebody needs to fix that.
Well, somebody has been.

For the past five years Project Easy Access Lexington (PEAL), a group of advocates inspired by and made up of artists at Latitude, has been patching sidewalks and making our pedestrian thoroughfares more accessible. Several artists at Latitude get around in wheelchairs or on scooters, which means that safe, accessible sidewalks aren’t just a matter of comfort. They’re a dire necessity.

PEAL had visits from Mayor Teresa Isaac, Mayor Jim Newberry and newly-elected Mayor Jim Gray.

That missing ramp may not stop you dead in your tracks. That missing brick may not make you topple over. The lack of a crosswalk may not threaten your life. But the lack of accessibility is a huge problem for those who rely on more than their legs to get from point A to point B.

Being the artists that they are, the folks at Latitude used art as a tool to raise awareness and affect change. They turned replacing paving bricks into performance art pieces and made political portraits to get the attention of city planners. They met with mayors and vice mayors and council members and offered more than 800 impromptu “Inaccessibility Tours” to show what a walk around the block looks like from their perspective.

The stick-to-it-tiveness of Latitude and other members of the PEAL Bricksquad paid off when downtown Lexington renovated its sidewalks in preparation for the World Equestrian Games.

To celebrate, the City Council Office will host a documentary exhibition that shows how a little creative thinking, some crafty interactions, and a lot of determination on the part of a few citizens can change the landscape of an entire city.

The Bricksquad gets some professional new recruits.

The exhibition opens tomorrow during Gallery Hop, 5-8pm, and is on the 5th floor of the City Government Building (200 E. Main St.)… which just happens to be right on the way to Witness @ J. Allen Studio + Spa.

Good thing it’s easier to get around now, ’cause you’ve got lots of places to go and things to see tomorrow!

............................................................

From Business Lexington, November 16
Thanks from Latitude for Changes in Attitude

Accessibility issues addressed at street level
by Bruce Burris

Lexington, KY - Lexington is way behind the national curve when it comes to accessible infrastructure and related supports. But it has always been the goal of Latitude Artist Community to advocate for changes in positive and creative ways.

Founded 5 years ago, Latitude's Project Easy Access Lexington or "PEAL" has taken over 800 people on our "Inaccessibility Tour." We take pride in our popular 3 block, 20 minute tour of downtown Lexington which shows people many of the problems associated with accessibility.

PEAL has surprised and educated many simply by being able to show them the problems from our "street level" perspective – and it really strikes a chord. Just as important –we love giving the tour, we make new friends and we know we are contributing to our city.

The only problem is that now that Lexington has begun to address some of these problems - gone are many of the crumbling curbs, blocked ramps and gaping holes in the sidewalk - in parts of Lexington it is getting harder to give the tour and frankly we kind of miss all the startled oohs and ahs by many of those 800 who finally 'got It.'

I guess we'll just have to accept it as the price of success.
Project Easy Access Lexington or PEAL was begun by Latitude artist Belinda Sellers after she was unable to open the door to our local Starbucks from her wheelchair. On her return to Latitude she asked what we might be able to do about it and after some thinking we began PEAL. Since then there have seen many positive accessibility improvements related to our advocacy though ironically the door to Starbucks remains as it was.

For PEAL, however, it has never been about singling out businesses, people or for that matter, government. Our aim has been at a broader and more positive solution based on education and grass roots advocacy and a belief in the fundamental decency of Lexington's citizens.

We have done this through creating a number of intimate community oriented initiatives such as our "Bricksquad" efforts during which we literally repair holes in downtown sidewalks ourselves; the before mentioned Inaccessibility Tours; by advocating for an appropriate lift for the City Building; and larger community-wide advocacy events such as three public rallies which attracted many advocates and much publicity.

While we must acknowledge that much remains to be done, we also need to recognize that our community has taken some very significant steps forward. Lexington's citizens have really begun to step up to the challenges that are associated with overhauling outdated infrastructure and thinking.

Most significant of all has been the creation of the Mayors Commission for Citizens with Disabilities. Proposed initially by Latitude's PEAL, the commission was guided through council by Lexington citizens' advocate Joan Beck and Robynn Pease of the office of Aging Services.
Commission member Marybeth Valance of UK's Human Development Institute states, "Members on the Commission include representation of interested City Council members, City Government representatives of Departments which impact public services and ADA, as well as University and agency representatives who serve populations of those with disabilities. This mix of consumers and public service and private sector agencies provides a strong base for enabling action steps, bringing in services to educate the members and giving members the empowerment and sanction needed to accomplish improvements for those with disabilities."

In particular, we need to recognize Lexington's last two Mayors, Jim Newberry and Teresa Isaac, former Councilmember Don Blevins and outgoing Councilmember Andrea James who have provided unprecedented leadership and encouragement during their tenures. Most of all, we need to recognize the leadership of the commission's current chair, Morry Latour. Under his tenure the Commission has taken on transportation, streetscape and so much more.

We are amazed at the changes starting to take place.

Thanks Lexington.

Get a Latitude Bumper Sticker!

2010-11-15T17:39:00.000-05:00

Check out our brand new Latitude bumper stickers! Want one? - just email us your address: Latitudearts@yahoo.com or come on by and pick one up yourself!

Ben Sollee on cello...Latitude Artist Jessie Dunahoo narrating

2010-10-28T11:42:00.001-04:00

100 Community Values Project

2010-09-30T22:45:00.002-04:00

"100 Community Values Project" We are in the process of identifying what we consider to be our top 100 community values. Once we do that- we are decorating 100 canvas bags- each one with a design based on our values which will sold in conjunction with Ben Sollee's tour this winter.

Latitude at the Raymond Thunder-Sky Fest

2010-09-30T22:38:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful time in Cincinnati performing "This Poem Breathes For You" at the Raymond Thunder-Sky Fest! Thanks to all who worked so hard on it.

Jonathan Ware at Latitude's "Phantam Place Project Place"

2010-09-30T22:31:00.000-04:00

Jonathan Ware installed this piece in our "Phantom Place Project Space" gallery, which is a missing brick in our wall. He gave a great talk about his work. See it on YouTube here!

Coming Soon- new work by Mary Vista at Third Street Coffee!

2010-09-30T22:23:00.000-04:00

2010-09-30T22:20:00.000-04:00

Our friend the artist Joel Feldman recently installed his print at Latitude as part of Institute 193's One Nail Gallery program. Joel discussed his work with us and even added to to our installation from Boomlsang.

Michelle Aldrich seen shouting out her newest poem to the world!

2010-09-30T22:12:00.002-04:00

Some great new work by Kenny Taylor!

2010-09-30T22:07:00.001-04:00

New work by Latitude artists Greg Spears and Mike Combs at Third Street Coffee through Oct.15

2010-09-02T08:19:00.001-04:00

Join Latitude at BOOMSLANG on September 11th!

2010-09-02T08:11:00.001-04:00

Last year we really enjoyed particpating in WRFL's BOOMSLANG Festival. You might remember our intallation/performance "Frankentstein Music Park 100", well this year we are back with another installation performance piece called "We Are Naked After All". We hope you'll visit us Saturday September 11th. Go to "We Are Naked After All" for all the details!

.

2010-08-26T20:16:00.003-04:00

This Poem Breathes For You

Wanted: One Literary Conjurer (writer/poet) needed to create/perform in Latitude Artist Community’s installation/performance …This Poem Breathes For You… at THE RAYMOND THUNDER-SKY FOLK ART CARNIVAL Saturday/Sunday September 25& 26 11am- 6pm, Cincinnati Ohio

What: On the order of a carnival quick sketch artist, the Literary Conjuror will be seated at a decorated card table on which there will be a manual typewriter (and paper). Folk art carnival goers will be invited to present the conjurer with up to three words (on an index card) which best represents their interior intensions, the literary conjuror then has up to five minutes to craft a luminous ode (of no more than three lines in length) in response.

To apply: Please no more than 100 words on… Why I would like to be a literary conjuror for a weekend. Please attach one writing sample or a link to current efforts. Finalists may be invited to audition at Latitude, the Literary Conjurer will be selected by Latitude artists.

Honorarium: Latitude’s Literary Conjuror will receive an honorarium of $100.00 and a ride (both days) to and from Cincinnati with lunch included.

Submissions/information: by Email only please to “Conjuror” Latitudearts@yahoo.com

Deadline: Submissions by Tuesday Sept 14
------------------------------------------------------
About THE RAYMOND THUNDER-SKY FOLK ART CARNIVAL
September 25 & 26, 2010, 11 am to 6 pm both days,
Building Value Retail Outlet, 4040 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio
Art booths, family art-making activities, a cookout -all to celebrate the Thunder-Sky spirit
Link: http://thunderskyfolkartcarnival.blogspot.com/

Business Lexington: Latitude works to help blind and deaf artist find his place in art

2010-08-04T20:50:00.004-04:00

Business Lexington, August 2010

An Artist's Touch

Latitude works to help blind and deaf artist find his place in art
by Kendra Ratliff

Lexington, KY - As he cleans off his worktable, artist Jessie Dunahoo, 78, feels around for any trace of dirt or plastic bag left behind. His balance is impeccable for his age, and as he maneuvers his body around the corners of the wooden table, one can't help but be impressed with his agility and patience, especially considering he is blind and deaf.

Although Dunahoo was born deaf and lost his sight long ago, his remaining senses are unfailing. Using creativity, imagination and a strong work ethic, Dunahoo has made a name for himself as a successful visual artist creating sculptures that are functional and beautiful.

For the past decade, Dunahoo has been a part of Latitude Artist Community, founded by Bruce Burris and Crystal Bader.

"He is his own guardian, and it's difficult to say that yes, he wanted to come here, but he did make it clear that he wanted to continue to make art. And when we started Latitude, we offered the invitation for him to come, and he did accept," said Bader.

Dunahoo spends three days a week in his studio, where he works independently, setting up, working and cleaning his space. Dunahoo typically works for six hours a day and will often work on different projects simultaneously, according to Bader.

"I do believe what he is creating is functional for him. Sometimes it is an ascetically pleasing sculpture or piece of work, like a quilt, but still that's functional. He has created housing that you can get into, he has created tents, and when he shows us how it's supposed to be used, it's obvious what it's supposed to do," said Bader.

Keeping that functional purpose in mind, Dunahoo is also resourceful, using recycled materials like plastic bags to create his art. Underneath his worktable, there are bags and boxes full of materials like shopping bags from various stores, empty plastic containers and thread. Dunahoo also has access to paper, paint, tools and many other supplies provided by Latitude.

Dunahoo uses needle and thread to stitch plastic bags together with uncanny precision to create whatever he feels compelled to do. "I have seen him use yarn as well," said Bader, who describes the various techniques Dunahoo uses when stitching bags together.

Dunahoo stitches one line at a time by using his legs or bagging up bricks to use as an anchor so he can spread out on the table. "He feels and searches around for structures to pin his work too," said Bader.

Dunahoo is always working. "He creates these installations constantly," said Burris. In June, Dunahoo created a rain slicker inspired by a rainy day. He spent about three studio days creating the rain jacket and when he finished he modeled the jacket to show how it worked, according to Burris.

Although Dunahoo's exact purpose for his work is unclear, it seems functionality is a priority.

"His mission is to create in a way that he is doing right now," said Burris. "His bedroom is organized with plastic bags hanging from the wall, instead of chests. They have pockets in them for storage."

Dunahoo's artistic creations not only have function, but there's a lot of passion behind the work.

"I think it's a passion for him because he's driven to do it; for what reason, we don't know, but he's definitely driven to do it, and if it wasn't a passion, he wouldn't be doing it," said Bader.

Dunahoo has had numerous installations and exhibits in the Lexington area, as well as a solo exhibit in 2008 at the Andrew Edlin Gallery in New York City.

Burris and Bader have been very cautious about selling Dunahoo's work, not because there hasn't been interest, but because Latitude doesn't try to push it.

"There would be no point in allowing him to exhibit if there wasn't potential to sell," said Burris. "But we're really working, and we have been over the past 12 years to just kind of get his space right."

Burris explained that there are other issues to consider with Dunahoo.

"Because he is supported in the way that he is, and though he is self-sufficient and can cut a path in the world in a marvelous way ... he doesn't have any real control or understanding of the art world beyond the creation," said Burris.

Latitude's focus has been to create a history and a legacy for Dunahoo. "We are really more interested in getting the writing that needs to be done on him, the documentation, the archiving of all of his work," said Burris, who feels that despite how old Dunahoo is, he has a lot of time to nurture the process.

Latitude has been trying to figure out where Dunahoo lives within the realm of art history. "Our thing has been to really place him within a historical context," said Burris.

Despite Dunahoo's dependence on different services and people, he is "his own unit," said Burris. Keeping that in mind, Latitude's primary objective is to put Dunahoo's work in a community environment, keeping it positive and exclusive in a way that brings attention to the work itself, as well as to the artist. In Dunahoo's case, those works of art are unique and meticulous creations that demonstrate how passion and dedication can bring out the best in an artist.

Artist Steve Pavey at Phantom Place Project Space (Latitude)

2010-08-04T20:47:00.001-04:00

Latitude Artist Community Steve Pavey at Phantom Space Project Space (Latitude) until September 10

ARTIST STATEMENT - A REVOLUTION OF VALUE(S)

My art critically explores power & inequality at the nexus of politics, economics and religion committed to envisioning/embodying social change bent towards justice. My art utilizes money, flags, and bible...s in an effort to grapple with the issues Martin Luther King, Jr. called the three great problems of society - Materialism, Militarism, & Racism.

“I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a "thing-oriented" society to a "person-oriented" society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.
May 4, 1967 (one year before he was assassinated)

ADA Event in Lexington (Latitude)

2010-07-27T06:56:00.004-04:00

LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER - From left, Pamela Roark-Glisson, her husband John Glisson, Bruce Burris and Arthur Campbell addressed a crowd in front of about 15 feet of sidewalk blocked off by a roll of during a rally and celebration for the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in front of the Lexington History Museum on Main St. in in Lexington, Ky., on Monday, July 26, 2010. About 25 people attended the rally including members of Latitude Arts Community and Freedom Riders from across the state. After the short rally in Lexington, many of the organizers headed to a larger rally in Frankfort. Photo by Pablo Alcala
Staff

Ben Sollee concert with backdrop by Latitude artist Jessie Dunahoo

2010-07-25T10:46:00.002-04:00

Ben Sollee/Appalachian Voices with Latitude artist Jessie Dunahoo

Institute 193 recently collaborated with Jim James, Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore to install works by Jessie Dunahoo on stage at the opening of their Appalachian Voices US tour. Jessie Dunahoo is a blind and deaf artist who works at Lexington’s Latitude Artist Community and recently showed at 193’s space on North Limestone Street. Special thanks to Latitude Artist Community (specifically to Bruce Burris and Crystal Bader) The show took place on July 22, 2010 at the Lexington Opera House.

Our Lexington Sidewalk Survey Party was a huge success!

2010-07-25T10:37:00.003-04:00

Our Lexington Sidewalk Survey Party was an enormous success. So many people showed up that Andrea ran out of survey forms! Thanks to all- especially to 1st District Councilperson Andrea James. Here are two great videos from this- the first from WTVQ features Latitude artist Melissa Amaral, and the second from the Lexington Herald-Leader features a nice interview with Councilperson Andrea James.

Three Lexington events in which you can participate Celebrating 20 years of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

2010-07-13T08:38:00.003-04:00

Celebrate 20 years of the ADA!

Three Lexington events in which you can participate Celebrating 20 years of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday July 22nd 5:30pm -8:00pm, Join 1st District Councilperson Andrea James for a Downtown Accessibility Survey Party!

Meet in the parking lot of Third Street Coffee (257 N. Limestone St.) at that time you will be given a map of downtown Lexington on which you may note specific accessibility problems you experience (special attention to sidewalks, crosswalks and outdoor café seating) and instructions for filling out your survey while navigating downtown as a pedestrian. Everyone is invited to help with this important survey- those of us who use wheelchairs and/or walkers are especially encouraged to participate.

Prior to the start of the survey (4:30pm-5:30pm) you can contribute to a performance piece “The Sidewalk Vanishes”

Sponsored by LFUCG’s Commission for Citizens with Disabilities
With Independence Place and Latitude Artist Community (PEAL)

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday July 26th, 9:00am- 9:30am Press Conference and a performance by Latitude’s Project Easy Access Lexington (PEAL) called “The Sidewalk Vanishes”
part of the 2010 ADA Freedom Relay & Celebration 215 West Main Street (in front of the Old Courthouse)

For more information contact: Independence Place, Inc. 824 E. Euclid Avenue, Ste 103 Lexington, Kentucky 40502 (859) 266-2807 or Toll Free (877) 266-2807

-------------------------------------------
Monday August 2nd 11am -2pm Latitude Artist Community 167 Saunier Street, Lexington KY Contact: Bruce Burris (859) 806-0195

PUSH America Cookout
Join us at Latitude for hotdogs and hamburgers while celebrating the annual cross country bicycle journey for disability awareness with bicycle team members from PUSH America (http://www.pushamerica.org/). While meeting and cheering on our cross country bicyclist friends take a (PEAL) Project Easy Access Lexington tour of downtown Lexington.

Barriers to Wheelchairs by Macy Early (Lexington Herald-Leader, letter to editor)

2010-07-11T09:16:00.002-04:00

This letter appeared in the Lexington Herald-Leader, July 11, 2010

This is one of the best letters we have seen on accessibility issues.

Macy is a High School student here in Lexington who took one of PEAL's "Inaccessibility Tours" in June. We look forward to hearing from Macy for many years to come!

Barriers to wheelchairs

Having lived in Lexington for 14 years, I was shocked to learn that faulty design often inhibits the city's handicapped.

There are more than 42,000 individuals in Fayette County living with disabilities, yet in just one downtown block, countless barriers prevent those in wheelchairs from maneuvering the streets including misplaced curb-cuts, slanted sidewalks, heavy pull doors without handicapped buttons, uneven bricks and poorly designed wheelchair ramps.

Each of these small barriers add up quickly, making it difficult and sometimes entirely impossible for a disabled individual to traverse downtown.

It is atrocious that citizens would be effectively barred from entering shopping centers such as Victorian Square simply because of carelessness of design.

Next time you are downtown, imagine yourself in a wheelchair. How would you prevent yourself from being carried by momentum into the middle of oncoming traffic in the instance of a misplaced curb-cut?

What would you have to do to enter businesses such as Starbucks and Sawyers and even the Opera House?

What in your daily routine would you be forced to change if you were living with a disability?

To find out more information about the barriers faced by the disabled and ways in which you can help, visit the Project Easy Access Lexington (PEAL) Web site at www.pealarchive.blogspot.com .

It is up to us to ensure that each member of this city has equal opportunity to enjoy his or her home.

Macy Early
Lexington

Meg Pike!

2010-06-24T18:20:00.000-04:00

Meg Pike at work on Wednesday, June 23rd. The title of her drawing, "Warning: Do Not Worry About The Chair Anymore". Who works with the most clever artists in the state of Kentucky? You are correct... we do!

Business Lexington: Latitude connects disenfranchised through art and activism

2010-06-24T18:13:00.001-04:00

Business Lexington, July 25, 2010

Latitude connects disenfranchised through art and activism

by Ide Bouldin

Lexington, KY - "If you were to sum up the past 10 years … it's been a disaster, and there's no getting around that," said Bruce Burris, co-founder of Latitude Artist Community as we joined his colleague Crystal Bader in their Saunier Street studio.

Disaster.

A bold descriptor, and one that most would hope to seldom use in reference to their occupational efforts. Rarer still is such pointed, connotative language used to describe an entire decade of business.

But one person's "disaster" is another's teaching moment. And so it has been for the founders of this for-profit enterprise, which has built a reputation in the community for helping people with disabilities to engage in artistic pursuits.

As an accredited Kentucky Medicaid SLC (Support for Community Living) and Michelle P. Waiver Provider, medical benefits generate 98 percent of Latitude's revenue. Although the services rendered may superficially resemble those provided by social services — in the way pomegranates resemble pineapples — Latitude provides members with individualized considerations and civic activism opportunities that are peerless among private businesses, nonprofits and similar governmental agencies alike.

"Per the amount of work we've had to do to create those supports, in almost any other (business) environment, these results would not be acceptable. But in this field, not only do we have acceptable results, we have (exceptional) results … That's why I'm telling you that what we've done … is … a disaster still," Burris said with a smile.

The 1979 federal deinstitutionalization mandate initiated the relocation of many individuals considered developmentally disabled from group homes into art programs. Burris, then a young Oakland-based artist, became involved with one of these programs. But as time progressed, he witnessed an increasing disconnectedness between businesses and their immediate environment.

Dissatisfied with this engagement deficit, and the limitations inherent to the nonprofit organizational structure, Bader and Burris ultimately crafted an amalgamated business model, infusing the superlative qualities of nonprofits with those of the private sector.

Today, Latitude's mission, methods and results resemble those of a charitable establishment, as they provide their clientele — currently composed entirely of artists who suffer from physical and/or developmental disabilities — with materials, studio space and artistic guidance.

While "art therapy" might suggestively allude to Latitude's services, considering Burris' artistic career and Bader's recreational therapy degree, it scarcely encapsulates their scope. They don't offer psychology's characteristic pat on the head. They supply disenfranchised citizens real opportunities to fulfill their individualized creative potential on local, national and global levels. They consistently enhance the life of each artist through social integration and affect tangible change within the community.

"When I met Crystal years ago, that's what we talked about. It was initially the arts emphasis, because that was easier (to present) … As that became more established, we were able to create this dual program, where we spent as much time creating advocacy programs for people to support themselves, their ideas, their culture, as we did to create creative opportunities in the community."

"In fact, after 10 years of business, we're just now starting to put our energy into the arts in a more focused way; advocacy has really been our focus," Bader added.

Four years ago, local artist Belinda Sellers planted seeds which flowered into Latitude's prominent civic engagement vehicle. During a customary downtown excursion, the group stopped off at a nearby Starbucks. Although the coffee shop's entrance doesn't violate ADA guidelines, the establishment's doors pose a virtually insurmountable obstacle to many with disabilities. After realizing the mocha mogul was ill-equipped to accommodate them, they returned to the studio, where Sellers declared something must be done. Thus, Project Easy Access Lexington (PEAL) was born and quickly began raising awareness concerning urban accessibility deficiencies.

"This is what I'm most proud of," Burris said, referring to the creation of advocacy opportunities for those once excluded.

Subsequently, PEAL has sponsored annual public rallies promoting disability awareness, including Lexington's first in 2007. They provide downtown inaccessibility tours to hundreds of conscientious citizens. PEAL lobbied LFUCG to create the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities and successfully campaigned for the inclusion of an adequate wheelchair lift within LFUCG's downtown Government Center. Furthermore, for over two years, they've formed "BrickSquads" to fill dangerous downtown sidewalk gaps with paving bricks before sealing them with sand. All of this was achieved through front-end advocacy by members and supporters.

"If we hadn't been a for-profit, we wouldn't have progressed the way we have," Bader explained. "Bruce talks about disaster, and yes, it is a disaster, but … it's been a rather beautiful disaster … In the 10 years we've been in business, we've had four or five business plans, but that's the way it should be. It should be changing."

"I would prefer to say we're not a social services program. We structured this business to intentionally keep those two things separate. Community is community, and social services is social services," Bader stressed.

Nonetheless, from an outside perspective, it appears the two are cyclically linked. Communities are only truly served when each citizen becomes a socially integrated, valued member. Likewise, striving for improvement in the community at large, you approach the pinnacle of social service. Consequently, an attempt to improve an aspect of the community indirectly enhances the self, and with Latitude fighting on both fronts, their studio will undoubtedly be full for the next decade as well.

Reviewing this formidable, incomplete list of accomplishments, one failure surfaces — however, it isn't Latitude's. Despite tireless efforts, including avid letter writing campaigns by Bader and the artists, the Starbucks that catalyzed this noteworthy social mobilization has yet to embrace this potential demographic.

Unfettered by conventional operational restrictions, and despite the "disasters," Latitude's use of art to engage disenfranchised citizens in civic betterment epitomizes art's potential as a bridge to productivity, accomplishment and a sense of self-worth.

To be kept up to date on the multitude of Latitude initiatives, exhibitions and events, or if you would like to schedule an "inaccessibility tour," please look them up on Facebook or visit their website: http://latitudeart.blogspot.com/.

Its Official- Saturday is Latitude Artist Community Day in Lexington!

2010-06-23T07:21:00.008-04:00

Its Official- Saturday is Latitude Artist Community Day in Lexington!

WHEREAS, Latitude Artist Community combines social services and the Arts to provide avenues of artistic expression to people thought by some to have disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Latitude Artist Community is celebrating its 10th anniversary of nurturing talented artists in Lexington; and

WHEREAS, The sponsors of Latitude Artist Community, Bruce Burris and Crystal Bader, have made significant contributions to social services and the Arts in Lexington through their work with these gifted artists; and

WHEREAS, Latitude Artist Community has exhibited work in 59 solo exhibitions and over 100 group exhibits, installations, and performances; and

WHEREAS, The City of Lexington salutes Bruce Burris and Crystal Bader for the valuable services and support they offer these gifted artists; and

WHEREAS, The City of Lexington salutes Latitude Artist Community for their wonderful contribution to Lexington and our quality of life.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jim Newberry, Mayor of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, do hereby designate Saturday, June 26, 2010 as:

LATITUDE ARTIST COMMUNITY DAY
and encourage citizens to celebrate the work of the Latitude Artist Community.

Lexington Herald-Leader, Latitude celebrates 10 years

2010-06-13T09:01:00.004-04:00

Latitude celebrates 10 years

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald-Leader

June 13, 2010

Just before lunchtime at Latitude, a yoga class breaks up, the lights go on and the -community’s artists get to work.

Beverly Baker is working on her latest colorful creation, Will Fister pieces new items into the numerous scrapbooks he carries in his backpack, and Paul McGurl scans a book for new words to place on his ¬collages of languages. In Latitude’s foyer, Jessie Dunahoo is piecing together his latest quilt of plastic shopping bags.

Artist Beverly Baker shows one of the pieces she is working on at Latitude.

Bruce Burris and Crystal Bader, co-owners of the artist community geared toward people with disabilities, say it’s a fairly typical morning at Latitude, doing what the project was geared to do.

“For lots of people living with disabilities, they have a pretty low quality of life,” Burris says. “We wanted to give people a means of expression and direction that would raise their quality of life.”

That’s in part what inspired Bader to suggest Latitude as a name for the group when it was founded 10 years ago.

“The word is a directional word,” Bader says. “It implies movement, perspective and autonomy.”

Bader and Burris met when Burris was ¬heading Minds Wide Open, an arts outreach connected to ARC of the Bluegrass. Bader joined Burris, and for a while, they were the only paid staffers of ARC, an organization that provided housing and services for adults with disabilities. ARC closed in 2005 due to bankruptcy.

Well before that, in 2001, Bader had suggested to Burris that they strike out on their own.

“Crystal said, ‘We should try this ourselves and call it Latitude,’ and I instantly said yes,” Burris says.

Will Fister shows off images he created for a project at Latitude in which he and other artists there made album covers.

The independence allowed them to build the program the way they wanted, although it has never been easy. Neither art nor social services is seen as a lucrative field, and ¬Burris credits his and Bader’s spouses, Robynn Pease and Shaun Webster, respectively, with lots of support.

In the beginning, they were in a space at Mecca Dance Studio that owner Teresa Tomb allowed them to use.

“We literally had no start-up money,” Burris says. “I don’t even think she mentioned rent, but we wanted to pay a portion of what we made. I think or first payment was $22.”

The center is primarily supported by billing for services through Medicaid and private donations. It also makes a small commission from sales of art, but Burris says most artists at Latitude sell work through galleries, in which case sales terms are between the artist and the gallery.

Latitude has had its artists show work around Lexington. At Third Street Stuff, owner Pat Gerhard maintains a regular space for Latitude artists; other places include the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and Institute 193, where Dunahoo’s exhibit Sheltered Environment just closed.

Dunahoo, Baker and Ralph Reynolds have had work exhibited in New York and elsewhere in the country.

Jessie Dunahoo, who cannot see or hear, is one of Latitude's best know artists.

Burris and Bader say they feel as if they have opened eyes in the social services world and in society in general to the value of arts to people with disabilities, and the untapped potential of people who are perceived to have limited skills.

During the past decade, they have been drawn to a stronger advocacy role.

They cite projects including a day when they went to the stoplight at Broadway and New Circle Road, counting the number of cars in 100 light cycles during which people ran red lights (They tallied 107). The point was to document one of the scenarios that makes it difficult for people with disabilities to get around, and to use the skills of Latitude clients to do it.

They also have sponsored inaccessibility tours of downtown Lexington, illustrating to many people how difficult it is for a person with disabilities to get around the city.

“In general, downtown does not work for people with disabilities,” Burris says. “It’s acceptable but not good.”

The 10th anniversary of Latitude has prompted the group to step back and contemplate the next 10 years.

Burris and Bader hope to see a greater emphasis on advocacy.

“I remember long hours of learning a bureaucratic system that offered no support to get through it,” Bader says. “You don’t hear people say they want to be great in social services.”

Another goal is greater integration between disabled residents and the rest of the community.

The sign in front of Latitude on Tuesday morning says the yoga classes are open to all, -although all participants were disabled residents or their companions.

“We really want to make it clear that this place is open to everybody,” Burris says.

Celebrating the ADA and planning our survey with Andrea James (PEAL)

2010-06-11T06:41:00.004-04:00

June 10, This afternoon 1st District Councilperson and Commission for Citizens with Disabilities member Andrea James dropped by to discuss the map for a survey of downtown accessibilty survey party during which people will be asked to note accessibility difficulties on a map.

July 22nd 7-9pm Celebrate 20 years of the ADA, participate in an Accessibility Survey Party!

Celebrate 20 years since the passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Get your advocacy on! You are needed to participate in an Accessibility Survey Party! July 22nd (Thurs) 7:00pm- (9:00pm) Meet in the parking lot of Third Street Coffee 257 N. Limestone St.

At this time you will be given a map on which you may note specific accessibility problems in downtown Lexington. (particularly those which are associated with restaurants and entertainment)

Latitude photo series by Louis Bickett

2010-06-10T06:48:00.001-04:00

Sometime ago we were visited by the artist Louis Bickett who took these wonderful photos! See the entire set here

our new exhibit at Third St. Coffee- mono prints and 4th of July American flag collage

2010-06-07T11:17:00.004-04:00

Latitude artist Mike Combs helps Pat Gerhard and Hendrick Floyd install our new exhibit at Third St. Coffee. Mono print collaborations and American flag collage- for the 4th of July!

Some events related to Latitude's 10th Anniversary!

2010-06-06T22:13:00.000-04:00

Through June 12, Latitude artist Jessie Dunahoo at Institute 193, 193 Limestone Street, Lexington, KY

----------
Friday June 17 5-8pm (Gallery Hop) A reception recognizing Latitude Artist Community on their 10th Anniversary Hosted by Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Justice (CKCPJ) at their offices 112 N. Upper Street.
----------
July 22nd 7-9pm Celebrate 20 years of the ADA, participate in an Accessibility Survey Party!

Celebrate 20 years since the passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Get your advocacy on! You are needed to participate in an Accessibility Survey Party!

July 22nd (Thurs) 7:00pm- (9:00pm) Meet in the parking lot of Third Street Coffee 257 N. Limestone St.

At this time you will be given a map on which you may note specific accessibility problems in downtown Lexington. (particularly those which are associated with restaurants and entertainment)
------------
August 2nd 10am- 2pm Join us at Latitude for an “Inaccessibility Tour of Downtown Lexington” and cookout! Join bicyclists from PUSH America as they stop by Latitude on their journey across America. Grilled hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks will be available!

Our Community Garden

2010-06-06T22:09:00.000-04:00

Can you see it- LA spelled by carrots=Latitude Arts. Thanks to Obiora Embry who planted it and is carefully tending it. We weed and water. By the way this is in the Southland Community Garden.

On June 4th we did these things!

2010-06-06T22:02:00.002-04:00

On June 4th we did these things! Albirda worked on a canvas, Lafathia went to the park, Jessie worked on a large piece, Harold and Jay visited Jessie's exhibit at Institute 193, and did I mention Yoga Dance?

Ten years ago....we were doing this

2010-06-06T21:52:00.001-04:00

Yesterday the Lexington Herald-Leader published a piece by Crystal and myself which addresses the isolation of those with disabliities in their communities. In it we mentioned a large installation/performance we staged ten years ago to bring attention to the issue. Here are 2 photos taken by a resident of a "group home" at that time with one of the disposable cameras we passed out.

read the article here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/06/01/1287789/exiles-in-their-own-neighborhoods.html

2010-06-06T21:42:00.001-04:00

June 1st, the hardest working artists in the state of Kentucky!

Exiles in their own neighborhoods by Crystal Bader, Bruce Burris

2010-06-06T21:37:00.004-04:00

June 1, Crystal and Bruce have an Opinion Piece Lexington Herald-Leader
The Lexington Herald-Leader

Exiles in their own neighborhoods
Reach out to relieve isolation of disability

By Crystal Bader and Bruce Burris At issue
May 14 Herald-Leader news article, "Autistic man died afterpolice cuffed him; that case, another being investigated"

We are familiar with the tragic incident this past April in which Roland Campbell, a young man diagnosed with autism, died while being restrained by police.
While his case is under investigation, it is worth examining an overlooked component to this story. In the media and in chat rooms, Campbell's home is variously referred to as "group home," "residential facility" and a "halfway house."

One Herald-Leader writer describes it thusly, "The program allows people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to receive care in a homelike setting, rather than an institution,"
Though this statement is not inaccurate, how many of us really know what a "homelike setting" means within this context? Is it more or less like the home that we hopefully enjoy? The answer for most of us is that we simply do not know.

An example may be found within a featured segment from WKYT: "Few people seemed to know the residents of the home ... but several neighbors said they often see special-needs buses picking up and dropping off disabled adults. 'They pretty much keep to themselves. I think it's some type of group home,' said one neighbor."

Ten years ago, we addressed this issue in collaboration with a number of agencies that provide residential services in an art installation/performance at the Louisville Visual Art Association called "Group Home." Residents of group homes (current lingo is "residential facilities") were encouraged to explore their lives and their concept of home.
Through photos, writing, artwork and performance, residents alluded to a stark and isolating experience. Sadly, after 10 years, we are here to say very little has changed.

Forty years ago, deinstitutionalization was an enormous step in the right direction, but we have faltered in the goal of establishing a reasonable place for people within their own communities.
It is high time to articulate a plan to empower people with disabilities, and those of us who support them, with the potential to act as contributing citizens instead of isolates.

Well-meaning Kentuckians in various human-service capacities have developed policies over the years intended to aid in this community building.
However, the fact remains that most of what has been created consists primarily of an ever-expanding mound of paper which often serves to hinder direct-care providers in their attempts at creating more inclusive environments.
These mandates are punitive in their insistence that providers impose whatever is viewed by a few professionals as current "best practices" — residue from a dreary cycle of conferences, studies, seminars, symposiums, workshops, surveys and trainings.

We wonder why it seems so difficult to treat neighbors as neighbors. How hard is it to throw a pot-luck for the family next door, plant a garden or attend an occasional neighborhood association meeting?
We all bear responsibility here. What we see in this story is that an utter lack of community inclusion is the norm. Perhaps if ordinary interactions occurred on occasion between Campbell and his neighbors, they might at least be holding a memorial service in memory of a cherished community member, versus questioning the unsettling death of the mysterious disabled man who lived among them.

Crystal Bader and Bruce Burris are co-owners of Latitude Artist Community, a Lexington program serving people with disabilities.

Our Memorial Day Flag Project

2010-06-06T16:09:00.001-04:00

Last week of May- our Memorial Day Flag Project

Tony Dunn at LFUCG, Commission for Citizens with Disabilities (PEAL)

2010-06-06T16:04:00.000-04:00

May 26, Today Latitude artist Tony Dunn attended the LFUCG Commission for Citizen's with Disabilities monthly meeting. For more info:http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=1400

The Kentucky Tomato Project!

2010-06-06T15:54:00.000-04:00

May 24, The Kentucky Tomato Project

Tomato plant time again at Latitude- everyone gets one!

Last year Latitude began the Kentucky Toamto Project- an effort to get a tomato plant to every Kentuckian considered to have a disablity who wanted one. This year the effort is being continued by UK's Institute for Human Development. They are beginning a website for this go to: www.kygrow.org

PEAL gives our "Innaccessibility Tour" to students at UK's Human Development Institute

2010-06-06T15:50:00.001-04:00

May 22, Latitude's Project Easy Access (PEAL) has given our "Inaccessibility Tour" to over 700 people. Yesterday we were visited by Kathy Shepherd Jones and her class from UK's Human Development Institute. If you would like to take the tour- just let us know- we guarantee you will be amazed at how hard it is to negotiate downtown Lexington as a pedestrian!

Installing Jessie Dunahoo exhibit and opening night pics

2010-06-06T15:41:00.001-04:00

Opening night reception for Latitude artist Jessie Dunahoo at Institute 193

installing Jessie's exhibit-----------------------------------------------

Phillip Jones discusses the work of Jessie Dunahoo

2010-06-06T15:28:00.000-04:00

May 20, Phillip Jones, Director of Institute 193 discusses Jessie Dunahoo's work at Latitude

Jessie Dunahoo invitation for exhibit at Institute 193

2010-06-06T15:20:00.001-04:00

JESSIE DUNAHOO: SHELTERED ENVIRONMENT

May 20, 2010 - June 12, 2010
Opening Reception: May 20
6 - 9 PM

Jessie Dunahoo began his art career as a child, sewing bread bags the length of his family’s farmhouse near Beattyville, Kentucky. As a young man, Dunahoo began exploring the family farm by hanging intersecting strings, ropes and wires which could be grasped and threaded, on various fences and trees, thereby creating 3-d maps which he used to navigate outdoor space. Jessie Dunahoo is deaf and blind. In time, Dunahoo’s environments have grown and evolved into complex sewn structures made of found materials including grocery bags, fabric samples, pieces of old clothing and twine.Through an interpreter Jessie describes his works as shelters, and they are strung about his home and yard covering his walls, floor and ceiling. To allay any doubts, Jessie is completely aware that he is creating “art” and is quick to ask a viewer if they think his work is “beautiful?” Institute 193 has asked Dunahoo to install a working version of his environment at the gallery, navigating our space. This show is produced in conjunction with Latitude Artist Community, the organization that has provided Dunahoo support in the creation and exhibition of his work for over decade.

Images courtesy THE JONES SHOP and Andrew Edlin Gallery, NYC.

Studying the work of Latitude artist Jessie Dunahoo

2010-06-06T15:14:00.001-04:00

During the third week of May we focused our attention on the work of Latitude artist Jessie Dunahoo who opened an exhibit of his work at Institute 193 on May 20th. Much of Jessies work is related in way to collage and in these pictures artists at Latitude are responding to his work by creating small collages which reference his work.

A stroll with Meg Pike

2010-06-06T11:49:00.003-04:00

A Friday afternoon stroll with Meg Pike (notice how hard it is to squeeze by the tree) Still a pleasant outing!

May mono print making at Latitude

2010-06-06T11:34:00.003-04:00

During the first two weeks of May we really dug into mono print making. These will be exhibited at Third Street Coffee in July!