Groton School To Host "I Am an Artist" Exhibit

From Dec. 3 to 18, the Christopher Brodigan Gallery at Groton School will host, "I Am an Artist." This exhibition will feature artwork created by intellectually disabled artists from Korea and North Carolina.

"These pieces of work are breathtaking, yet the artists are not getting enough recognition for their work," says Yanni Cho, a senior at Groton School who organized this gallery show. She hopes that this exhibition will be an opportunity for these artists to share their art and for the community to appreciate this work.

Yanni worked with some of the artists as a part of her community service project over the summer. Using a grant she received from Parents Independent Network, she has started a business of her own, called "I Am an Artist," designing and selling postcards and stationery based on works of these artists.

Proceeds go to the artists as a part of their salary. She continues to sell through her online Etsy shop (iamanartist15) and hopes to expand this platform that artists with intellectual disabilities can use to share and sell their art. Looking forward, she hopes to reach out to even more artists with intellectual disabilities around the world, organize more galleries with their work, and turn her project into an official non-profit organization.

Growing up with her intellectually disabled cousin, Yanni has always been an advocate for the hidden talent of those with an intellectual disability. Inspired by how her cousin could really shine on stage after finding her passion for drumming, Yanni began her work to help empower those who share her passion for art.

Brodigan Gallery is open f 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays. Admission free and open to the public. The artwork on exhibit will be on sale as well.