Host: Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Rae Frank, director of Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR). I'm your host Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program, Rae. 

Guest: Hi Ernie, thanks for having me. 

Host: It's our pleasure. You've got an activity, which is an exciting opportunity for people with disabilities of the artistic bent that have been occurring there in Genesee County. The ARTiculations Ability Exhibition. How long has this been going on approximately? 

Guest: We've been having these exhibitions since 2017. 

Host: Wonderful. So, you probably racked up quite a few artists on display then. Before we go any farther, we should mention that this is largely possible because you have a partner with a firm foothold in the artistic community, I should say. What can you tell us about them? 

Guest: Our partner is called the University Heights Arts Association. It's Mary and Larry Kinney and they have a not-for-profit and they work with us very closely to make sure the exhibitions go up. They screened the applications and it's a juried competition, so people have to compete with each other to have an exhibition. They also help us with the media. They'll help the artist frame their work. They help us put the work up on the wall and we host a reception for them as well too. 

Host: Wonderful. And when you say put it up on the wall, you're talking about there at ILGR offices in the Crippler Executive Conference Center there in Batavia? 

Guest: That's correct. We use our reception area. 

Host: Wonderful. And so that gives them some exposure. Is it about a three-month period that each artist gets their show? 

Guest: Yes it is. 

Host: Wonderful. When all is said and done does the artist have an opportunity to make a sale? 

Guest: Yes. So, this year we had four different exhibits we had, as time stood still by Erica and back in January and she was able to sell her work. And then in April to June, we had Gina Schelemanow doing some mixed media. She also sold her work from July to September. 

We had the “Ancient Mother “exhibit by Natalie Lynch and she sold a piece from her exhibit and we currently have on display. 

“Wildlife Paintings” by Peter Langen. 

Host: Ah, alright. Is there a title for any of those exhibitions? 

Guest: Yes, “As Time Stood Still,” “Back of Beyond," “Ancient Mother,” and “Wildlife Paintings.” 

Host: I'm sorry, I did hear some of those. I didn't realize that all of them were titles. If an individual is interested in participating, how can they go about that? 

Guest: Sure. Just to participate, they can reach out to me. My name is Rae Frank and my email is rfrank@wnyil.org. Just shoot me an email and I'll get them the application. 

Host: That sounds wonderful. Let's say someone just wants to talk to you to get a bit more information. Do you have a number to give them? 

Guest: Absolutely. My number is area code 585-815-8501 and I'm at extension 406. 

Host: And would you say it would be a good idea for people that are interested in this to get a hold of you sooner rather than later so they can get in line? 

Guest: Yes, we do have some people who've applied for January, so please do reach out as soon as possible. If you're interested and we take any kind of media. So don't be afraid if you have mixed media or painting or oil painting or watercolor. Acrylic photography we can work with whatever medium you're working in. 

Host: That sounds like a wonderful opportunity and it's terrific that you're doing this for the disability community. Thank you so much for coming on and explaining it to our listeners. 

Guest: Thank you for having me, Ernie. 

Host: It's been our pleasure. 

You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today has been Rae Frank, director of ILGR. And I've been your host, Ernie Churchwell.