Disabled Women Make History (& Art): Celebrating Creative Women in the Community
On June 24, 2023, I was delighted to take part in the second annual Disabled Women Make History (and Art) event which was a celebration of the 24th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court Olmstead decision. Disability EmpowHer Network and the Toledo Museum of Art hosted this amazing event to celebrate Olmstead by uplifting and showcasing disabled women artists.
On June 22, 1999, the United States Supreme Court held in Olmstead v. L.C. that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Court held that public entities must provide community-based services to persons with disabilities. The two plaintiffs in this case were both disabled women; one of the women, Lois Curtis, was an artist herself. Disabled Women Make History (and Art) celebrates the Olmstead decision as well as all disabled women artists and the incredible impacts they make on the world through their art and advocacy.
As a part of the celebration, disabled women artists from across the country were invited to submit their art work for consideration to be displayed as part of this event. 20 fantastic artists were selected and invited to showcase their work. In addition, the artists were invited to attend two exclusive workshops to enhance their skills in marketing themselves and their artwork. The first workshop, “Know Your Artworth” focused on helping the artists understand the value of their work, strategies to price and sell their artwork, and how to find grants to help fund their work. The second workshop focused on public speaking skills, including elevator speeches and creating artist statements.
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The lessons from the workshops came in handy that evening when over 120 members of the public came to the art exhibition! The public engaged with the artists, asking them about their pieces, their backgrounds, and their craft. During the event there were also three performance artists who shared their experiences through poems and storytelling.
This year’s event was profoundly empowering for the artists who shared that this was the first time they were in a place where they felt truly connected and understood by the community around them. For many, this was their first-time sharing space with so many other women with disabilities - not to mention disabled women artists! One artist shared that she met so many incredible women that made her feel seen, heard, and celebrated - and she only hopes that her artwork helps others feel the same way.
Another artist shared on her social media “I am feeling so beyond blessed! I was given an amazing opportunity to take part in an art show for Disabled Women Make History (and Art) at the Toledo Museum of Art with Disability EmpowHer Network. My first art show and it was great! Spending time with other artists and enjoying art at the museum was truly wonderful for my soul… It was a wonderful day full of kind souls, honest feedback, and new friends.”
I enjoyed every moment of the event, and it made the months of planning well worth it. I cannot wait to see how this event grows and evolves over the years as we continue to work to uplift disabled women artists while celebrating Olmstead!