A two-day art show and sale scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21 at the Webster Recreation Center will showcase some very special artists.
The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit will feature the artwork of more than 80 Webster-area artists, all of whom have physical, developmental or behavioral challenges. The artists, ranging from ages 4 through 56, have created about 120 unique, colorful and downright stunning paintings and collages, all of which will be on display during the show.
The exhibit, now in its sixth year, is organized by Webster resident and WCSD teacher’s aide Kate Clemont, assisted by a dedicated team of volunteers. For Kate, who handles most of the countless tasks necessary to put on a show of this type, it’s a true labor of love.
Kate’s youngest son Jack has autism, and she discovered many years ago how much joy he got out of creating art.
“There’s not a lot he gets celebrated for,” Kate said. “But he and I would paint together and he’d do some beautiful pieces and he’d be so proud of himself. I thought this would be nice for other kids.”
And so this very special art exhibit began. For this year’s show, Kate began working with her artists back in May. She would pull the Challenger Field athletes aside when they came off the field and encourage them to do some painting. Over the summer she created art with the students in the district’s extended school year program. She even held a make-some-art day in her backyard.
Everyone was given the opportunity to create, regardless of their disabilities.
“A lot of these kids don’t have the fine motor skills to handle a paint brush,” Kate said, “so I find other things for them to paint with, whether it’s back scrubbers or sponges or stamps or squish balls. Whatever it takes for them to get in the paint.”
“Many of them have sensory needs,” she added, and were afraid to touch the paint. “So I’d wipe it on my face … just get down there and dirty with them in the paint. I was covered in paint from head to toe.”
Bottom line, Kate said, “If they’re given the opportunity, they can create and make some things. It just looks like a million dollars, and they’re so proud of themselves.”
The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit is just one of many ways Kate has found to give back to the community for all of the opportunities her son has received. She’s also raised money for Autism Speaks, Camp Puzzle Piece, and Never Say Never Stables. But it’s the art shows where she really gets to indulge her passion for art and truly see the joy it brings to children and adults with disabilities.
Kate actually has a unique understanding of the challenges these special artists face. Eight years ago she developed a serious skin condition called necrotizing fasciitis, also known as “the flesh-eating disease.” It almost killed her, requiring a 75-day hospital stay and almost 30 surgeries, during which she coded twice. Large swaths of skin from her armpit to her hip had to be removed and replaced with skin grafts.
And as a direct result of the treatment, Kate lost her right hand, left index finger and the ends of her toes. The whole experience helped put a lot of things into perspective.
“After I got sick I lost my creative side; your mind is focusing on getting back. I thought I’d never get to paint again.” Working with the kids helped her rediscover that passion.
“I look at these kids who really have something to complain about, and they’re just getting on with it,” she said. “They just want an opportunity and a chance. I can’t complain. If that’s what you want to do, let’s get on with it.”
Clearly this show would not go on without Kate Clemont’s passion for art and the special artists she works with. But make no mistake — it is ALL about the artists.
“The exhibition is a chance for families and the public to get together at a free event, and just share the joy of what has been achieved,” Kate said. “It really is an amazing event, giving these amazing individuals a chance to be celebrated and show their artistic ability.”
The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit takes place Friday, October 20 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. A silent auction will be held both days, with the final bids being awarded at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
In addition to the paintings (whose starting prices range from $10 to $250), magnets, coasters and tote bags will be available for purchase. There’ll be some amazing raffles courtesy local businesses, and Kate’s son Jack will be selling lemonade.
All proceeds will benefit Rochester Challenger Miracle Field. Admission is free.
Check out the galleries above and below to see some of the featured art and the joy on these kids’ faces. Then come to the exhibit to see the art in person, and help celebrate these very talented and very special artists.
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(posted 10/13/2023)
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