The Arc Pikes Peak Region blends creativity with advocacy in its third annual calendar, ‘Portraits and Masterpieces’. This collaborative project was created to continue improving the public’s perception of individuals with disabilities; the models in each ‘portrait or masterpiece’ are people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as professionals in the disability field. Available for sale to the public on November 4, each month’s image recreates masterpieces including the Mona Lisa and Girl with the Pearl Earring, while showcasing iconic figures like Pop Artist Andy Warhol.
Model Sara McHenry in the recreation of Artist Johannes Vermeer’s famous oil painting, Girl With a Pearl Earring.
“The intention of this year’s calendar is to raise the bar in terms of people’s abilities and to just have fun,” Craig Severa, calendar artistic director and advocacy coordinator at The Arc Pikes Peak Region, said. “The models donated their time and talent to help create this calendar. Many of them represent the variety of individuals for whom The Arc PPR provides advocacy – they serve on state boards, love their jobs, are married and have children and love to dance.”
Model Sarah Van Ness portrays famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in the recreation of her 1940 painting, Self-Portrait With Thom Necklace and Hummingbird.
Photographer Zaira Aleman, of ZA Photo, provided stellar photography and editing to transform each photograph into a unique masterpiece. “It’s fulfilling beyond words to spotlight people with disabilities through my photography,” Aleman said. “Hopefully this project helps others to view people with disabilities in different, more beautiful ways.” Additionally, students at Toni & Guy Academy generously assisted with hair and makeup.
The majority of the props, accessories and clothing used to recreate each work of art and photograph were hand-picked from the arc Thrift Stores (a major supporter of the programs offered by The Arc PPR), and by University of Colorado at Colorado Springs’ TheatreWorks costume department.
The community is invited to join The Arc PPR in celebrating the ‘Portraits and Masterpieces’ calendar release on Wednesday, November 4, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Ivywild’s Wildcat Room. Calendars will be available for purchase, and attendees will enjoy complementary appetizers.
To purchase the 2016 ‘Portraits and Masterpieces’ calendar on or after November 4, 2015, call The Arc PPR at (719) 471-4800 or stop by the office at 12 N. Meade, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
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