The Able ARTS Work gallery is getting ready to move from its current location at the 2nd & PCH shopping center to its new home in the EXPO Arts Center.
The move was prompted by a decrease in funds now that money given to Able ARTS Work through previous grants has already been used.
“Our move to Bixby is a little bit more cost-effective,” said Kristy Glass, director of community advancement. “But also the benefit of being there is that we’re truly in a community setting alongside other community agencies that are in that space.”
According to Glass, the EXPO Arts Center already houses a theater, an improv theater, a children’s theater, and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach.
“It’s a really great opportunity to partner up with these organizations as well as others in Bixby and continue our work,” Glass said.
Able ARTS Work (originally known as Arts and Services for the Disabled) was founded in 1982 by Helen Dolas to provide access to the arts for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. It currently holds classes on visual art, theater and music.
“There wasn’t anything like this in place at that time, a place where people could receive music and art classes and an inclusive space that really honored the individual,” Glass said.
Able ARTS Work was planning to commemorate their move to the EXPO Arts Center with an art show held Friday, Jan. 7, but canceled it due to the recent spike in COVID-19 infections.
“Our exhibit […] will be opening when it’s safe to do so,” Glass told the Signal Tribune.
According to Glass, once it’s safer to hold public events Able ARTS Work will host a new exhibit and corresponding workshop at the EXPO Arts Center every two to three months.
The first exhibit “Semi-Solo” will showcase the work of four artists who participate in Able ARTS Work’s day classes: Cristina Mariotta, PJ Ward, Robert Lugardo and Satchel Hayes.
The free corresponding workshop will invite the public to make a monochromatic self-portrait in red which will be included in an upcoming exhibit in the spring.
The art pieces included in the “Semi-Solo” show range from paintings, collages, mixed media works and more.
“Some of their work was made prior to COVID some of their work they’ve done from home during COVID,” Glass said.
During the pandemic, Able ARTS Work transitioned many of its in-person classes to online.
It also provided some of its students with iPads and other tablets so they could still access their classes, while also instructing caregivers on how to help their loved ones sign into Zoom.
“One of the cool things that has come out of our flip to online services is that there’s been an increase in the making of digital artwork,” Glass said. “So our students have had access to looking at art in a different way and working on some digital art as well.”
Despite having to adjust their classes due to the pandemic, Able ARTS Work has big plans for the future and is currently fundraising to buy its own building.
According to Glass, Able ARTS Work envisions its building including art and music studios, classrooms and a community room.
“We’re looking to buy a building so that we can further our work and offer more services and sort of have a place that’s all our own,” Glass said.
Able ARTS Work’s new location is within the EXPO Arts Center at 4321 Atlantic Ave. It will open for exhibits and workshops once COVID-19 infections lessen. To keep up with or donate to Able ARTS Work visit their website at ableartswork.org
