Jennifer Justice, Works on Paper on View Now in Denver

My work is on view at VSAC in Denver. Hope some of you will head on over to this unique exhibit.

It's All About Touch
A juried show of tactile artwork from across the country. This show is all about artwork that is accessible through the sense of touch. National and local artists have contributed pieces to make this a memorable show including Ann Cunningham, Paul Bouchard, Jennifer Justice, Tina Blatter, Pam Cooke, Naomi Marrow and special musical guest – Eddie Salcido.

Featured Artist: Michael Naranjo is a recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award from the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. Mr. Naranjo has pieces of work in the collections of the Vatican, the White House, and Phoenix’s Heard Museum.

Opening Night Reception, Friday, October 19: Close Your Eyes and Open Your Mind. The entire gallery will be darkened so patrons can experience the art tactually. Hosted by The National Federation of the Blind of Denver and the Colorado Center for the Blind with food provided by Little India.

Family Art Day, Saturday, October 27, 11am-1pm: Making your own tactile art, Ann Cunningham, author and nationally know tactile artist, and Pam Cooke will lead this workshop. Free and open to the public.

First Friday, November 2, 6-9pm: Hosted by The National Federation of the Blind of Denver and the Colorado Center for the Blind with food provided by Jose’s Restaurant. Special Musical Guest: Eddie Salcido.

Gallery Talk, Wednesday, November 7, 11:00am-1:00pm: A workshop for educators, arts administrators and designers facilitated by experts in the field Ann Cunningham and Buna Dahal on how to make shows more accessible for people who are blind or have visual impairment. Space is limited so please rsvp to vsaco@earthlink.net.

Disability Blog Carnival #23 Is Simply the Best

The Resilience edition of the Disability Blog Carnival is up today at Reimer Reason. Next issue's theme is "Simply the Best," and girl, we are bringing it! And right on our home turf. That's right, I'll be throwing down and talking trash with the best of 'em right here at PH headquarters.

Simply the Best Your responses to this phrase may range anywhere from "whatever the hell that means!" to exploring the highs and lows of the SuperCrip phenomenon. You may have thoughts about those institutions that seek to decide what is "best" for others. I'm interested in everything from public swagger to revelations on personal folly. Of course, if you're really all that, or think you are, then be my guest honeyand bring it on!!! Send entries to thisislivingzine@gmail.com.

P.S. you don't have to be a saucy- mouthed teenager to participate, but it certainly can't hurt!

There's one thing I have on all y'all and that's my name which one could argue is both a blessing and a curse- but perfect for a disability rights activist/ SuperCrip heroine. I'm in talks with Marvel Comics as we speak! What makes you so special? Oh, right...

Visual description: This is a photo from an ABC news item about Jessica Parks, a high school cheerleader born without arms. Here Jessica practices a routine on an athletic field. She is held aloft by her squad mates who appear at the bottom of the frame with arms outstretched to catch her.

Calls for Artists

The Austin, Texas Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is partnering with the Umlauf Sculpture Garden to promote blindness awareness in the community. This fall they will be presenting a temporary exhibition of the work of blind sculptors and are currently accepting submissions.

The hope is to have pieces to put up by September 23, or at the latest, October 7, 2007.

If you would be interested in having your work shown, or if you know a blind sculptor that might be interested, please contact me at thisislivingzine@gmail.com for more details.

This Is Living Zine Launch! Celebrating 17th Anniversary of the ADA

If you happen to be in the Chicago Loop this week, be sure to stop by the Thompson Center at Clark and Lake for an exhbitit celebrating the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Take home a complimentary copy of my new zine This Is Living, where I recount the adventures of a disability rights activist embedded deep within the social service ghetto. Also on display- works by artists from the Little City Foundation, Espiranza and sculpture by Steve Handschu. I'll be hanging out for a few hours on the 19th so come by, rock out to the R&B cover band and show your support!

Coming to the pages of TIL this winter: Ernesto shows us how to survive a brain injury with flair, I compile my list of the best disability flicks (films on disability- you do the semantics) of all time- send me your recommendations! Plus, highlights from the kickass disability community to be had online! Notes on all that glitters, twitches, rocks, rolls, limps, stutters and blogs!