CATA recognized in NYSCA’s list of ‘5 Must-See Arts Videos’
Great Barrington — The New York State Council on the Arts has recognized Community Access to the Arts in its list of “5 Must-See Arts Videos” honoring the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The other featured organizations are the Mark Morris Dance Group, Heidi Latsky Dance, CO/LAB Theater Group and the New York Deaf Theatre.
CATA’s film, created by local filmmaker and Edge contributor Ben Hillman, spotlights CATA artists with disabilities who use an adaptive painting technique called Artistic Realization Technologies to create powerful, large-scale works of art. The A.R.T. adaptive technique, developed by artist Tim Lefens, gives full artistic control to people with profound physical disabilities who do not have the dexterity to apply paintbrush to canvas.
The work of these artists can be seen in two exhibits this month honoring the 30th anniversary of the ADA. The first, CATA’s multimedia, virtual art show “Back & Forth” includes a selection of videos and photos designed to bring viewers closer to the artists and their work. The second, “Earth People,” is on view at Hudson Hall in Hudson, New York, and features paintings by CATA artists from Columbia County Arc.
–E.E.
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Construct, Greylock to provide COVID-19 rental assistance microloans
Great Barrington — Construct Inc. has partnered with Greylock Federal Credit Union to provide COVID-19 rental assistance microloans. Collateralized by a $25,000 grant by the Berkshire United Way, Construct will provide loans of up to $2,500 to those between 80% and 120% of the area median income adversely affected by the pandemic. Applications for the COVID-19 rental assistance microloans are available in Spanish and English on Construct’s website.
“Construct and Greylock Federal Credit Union have a strong community partnership which enables them to collaborate and assist residents of south Berkshire County,“ said Cindy Shogry-Raimer, director of community development at Greylock Federal Credit Union. “I love how Construct targeted an income level that struggles greatly but doesn’t have access to additional services since they make slightly more than the guidelines allow. I am looking forward to assisting these folks.”
“We’ve provided over 120 households with rental assistance grants since May, and with this program Construct expects to serve an additional 10 to 12 families,” said Construct executive director Jane Ralph. “Housing hardships have reached unprecedented heights during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is another way in which Construct has stepped up to support those in need.”
–E.E.
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Wild Oats donates $2,338.02 to Berkshire Food Project
Williamstown — Thanks to the generosity of its customers, Wild Oats Market donated $2,338.02 to Berkshire Food Project this week. The money was generated in July through the store’s Round Up For Change program, which allows shoppers to round up their total purchases at checkout and donate the spare change to the featured organization of the month. Throughout the month of August, Wild Oats is collecting for Berkshire Helping Hands.
–E.E.
