ART & LITERARY MAGAZINE 2014 - ARISE · ART & LITERARY MAGAZINE 2014. ... facebook.com/ARISEcny ... created from a scene in the film Fantasia. UNIQUE 2008-2009, 2011-2012. THE ESCAPE

ART & LITERARY MAGAZINE 2014

ABOUT ARISEWAVESBen ElmanWatercolor | 12” x 14”

As a young child, it was difficult for Ben to paint or draw because he was unable to hold crayons, brushes, or pens and pencils. Over time, and after years of hard work in occupational therapy, Ben achieved his goal of being able to create art.

Ben, 17, often paints self-portraits where his mouth is either missing or closed, symbolizing his speech impediment due to autism. Because he cannot speak easily, Ben uses his artwork to express joy, wonder, fear, and longing — emotions he cannot convey in words.

Waves represents the joy Ben feels in the ocean. Even though Ben’s mouth is closed, the waves speak to him and he speaks to the waves through his body. The movement of his arms is his language.

SPECIAL THANKS

UNIQUEPremier SponsorThe Drescher Corporation

Fourteenth Edition SponsorsJ.W. Burns & Company Investment CounselHaylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc.

Patrons of the ArtsTania S. AndersonThe Bonadio GroupSUNY OswegoV.I.P. Structures, Inc.

Friends of UNIQUEINFICONOnondaga Hearing Services

Media Sponsors

Opening Exhibit PartnerEVERSON MUSEUM OF ART

CONNECT WITH US

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ABOUT ARISE

Advocacy & Accessibility From eliminating physical barriers to

changing attitudes, we create a more inclusive society that protects, preserves, and promotes

civil rights and equal opportunities for people of all abilities.

Basic Needs & Assistance From helping families move out of

crisis situations to transitioning people out of nursing homes, our person-centered

approach provides security, safety, and hope to people with disabilities.

Education, Employment, & Skill-Building

From teaching independent living skills to working with people to gain essential job skills needed for employment, we empower people

with disabilities so they can lead a life of inclusion, participation, and independence.

Health & Wellness From health care advocacy to outpatient and school-based mental health therapy,

we’re focused on helping people with disabilities achieve personal wellness.

Recreation & Art From inclusive summer camps and therapeutic horseback riding to our adaptive ski program

and social groups, we provide people with disabilities access to year-round recreation,

art, and adventure.

We work to create a world where all people, regardless of disability, have the power to make their own life choices and achieve their dreams.

Since 1979, we have provided opportunities so that people with disabilities can participate in the community and live independently. Our core program areas are:

Many of our services are available to people of all ages who have all types of disabilities. For a full list of programs, visit ariseinc.org.

ANY AGE. ANY DISABILITY. WE CAN HELP.

Main/Onondaga Co.635 James St.Syracuse, NY 13203Voice: 472-3171 TTY: 479-6363

Oswego County9 Fourth Ave.Oswego, NY 13126Voice: 342-4088 TTY: 342-8696

Madison County131 Main St., Ste. 107Oneida, NY 13421Voice: 363-4672TTY: 363-2364

Cayuga/Seneca Co. 75 Genesee St. Auburn, NY 13021Voice: 255-3447 TTY: 282-0762

ARISE at the Farm1972 New Boston Rd.Chittenango, NY 13037Voice: 687-6727

One of my fine colleagues at ARISE, Sue Rogers, mentioned to me in the past “UNIQUE is one of the best things ARISE does.” I agree. And that is saying a great deal because we do a lot.

• We engage with more than 4,000 people who participate in our programs in five counties; all are persons with their own dreams and plans.

• We employ almost 700 strong advocates, peers and colleagues to those with whom they work.

• We benefit from many hundreds of volunteers. Examples of their contributions include building ramps enabling others to live in their own homes; providing ski instruction during cold winter weekends; mucking out horse stalls or helping with lessons at our Farm; teaching youngsters to grow comfortable around those who have disabilities. They should each get an award for such dedication!

Though we advocate constantly for the rights of people who have disabilities, and we provide many services, our support for the artists of UNIQUE provides us with a particularly powerful experience of talent. We encounter hundreds of area artists, some of whom we know in no other way. These individuals choose to share their gifts, and often their struggles. They open a window into their souls.

These artists have moved me during many years of our publication of UNIQUE. One of my most memorable experiences happened when I attended the wake of one of our cover artists, Michele Gafrancesco, who died at age 90. The funeral home was decorated fully with many examples of his beautiful artwork; his family mentioned in the obituary how proud he was that his work was featured by ARISE’s UNIQUE reception at the Everson Museum of Art.

The beautiful publication you are about to experience demonstrates the many kinds of abilities of people who happen to have disabilities. I am so proud to invite you to enjoy all of this fine work.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARISE

CELEBRATING INDIVIDUALITY

EDITORIAL BOARD

Tapping into abilities. That’s what you’re witnessing here as you read the beautiful prose and your eyes take in the visuals of the art pieces, full with splendor. What I have admired about UNIQUE since its inception is the venue it creates for people

with disabilities to bring forth their talents and gifts to the world. And what gifts they are.

I was honored to be one of this year’s judges. What I was not prepared for, though, was being overwhelmed by the depth and range of the work. I will never forget walking in the room where all the pieces are collected and stepping into a state of amazement by the breadth of the work. The volume of moving visuals, along with the touching literary works, tells me we have a goldmine of artistic abilities in Central New York that need to be given more opportunities to shine.

As a professional in the disability service field for over twenty years and as someone who has lived all my life with a disability, I see such a need to change our thinking from serving people with disabilities to helping them live fully by encouraging people to radiate their abilities. UNIQUE does this year after year.

What you’re seeing here is so much more than art and fine prose. You’re seeing individuals reach within and pull out strengths and abilities. The very nature of doing so lends itself to living life more deeply and with more meaning. Some of these artists have produced their work from the painful process of living with a disability. This kind of alchemy is also a reflection of living fully with a disability because we transform our struggle into a gift we share with the world. Tapping into abilities.

2014 UNIQUE EDITORIAL BOARD

Lauren BristolSparky Town Restaurant & Catering

Greg CallenMove Along Inc.

Dan CummingsNewsChannel 9 WSYR

Nienke Dosa, MD SUNY Upstate Medical University

Cora True-FrostSyracuse University

Jim True-FrostActor

Sean KirstThe Post Standard

Agnes McCrayCommunity Advocate

Pam McLaughlinEverson Museum of Art

Kathy O’ConnellRadiant Abilities

Virginia ParkerRetired Educator

Lauren PistellRichard S. Shineman Foundation

Patricia RoeschMagic Dragon Magazine

KEY STAFFTom McKeownNancy Kern Eaton

EDITORIAL STAFFBethanie HemingwayGigina LongFrank Vair

KATHY O’CONNELLRADIANT ABILITIES

ABOUT ARISE

UNIQUEFEATURED ARTISTSFRONT COVER: Ben Elman, WavesBACK COVER: Benjamin Kellogg, Autism AwarenessBACK COVER: Amber Micek, Memory

Kendra Bellino, 13,000 Awesomeness...................18Shaun Benishek, Unconditional Love.....................17Jessica Bero, The Mist of the Sun...........................13Sabrina Biggs, The Power of Imagination................22Frank Burns & Sara Morrow, Star Field...................23Mary Coogan, Within...............................................24Timothy Coomey, Eagle..........................................15Vickie Darby, Emotions...........................................13Elizabeth Droge-Young, There Can Never Be Too Much Compassion.....................................................5Vykky Ebner, Mondo Guerra....................................21Christine Eldred, Time Is ~ What About Time.........25Sue Ellis, A Man Out In The Cold............................30Ben Elman, Waves...................................Front CoverHannah Emerson, “G” Clef.......................................3Gary Forbes, American Avocet (Shorebird).............28Jennifer Fulco, A Triumph of Truths.........................1Fran Gavin, Mountain by Morning............................28Carleen Giannotti, The Surf....................................10Vivian Golding, Aruba-Poor Catholic Church..........20Derek Grindle, It’s Beautiful Out..............................14Brian Haher, Autumn Afternoon with Spiral.............11Jeffrey Harrington, Floating Over An English Garden..........................................................7Kimmy Harvey, The Escape.....................................2Amanda Julian, What’s So Funny?..........................8Erin Kelley, The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword...25Jeremy Kelley, Bald Mountain..................................2Benjamin Kellogg, Autism Awareness.....................8Kaushik Krishnan, Cube..........................................6Anna Marie Kuiper, The Road Less Traveled...........9Wyatt Kyle, A Mid-Day Dream.................................22

Jean LeoGrande, The Pioneers...............................29Dawn Liddle, Mother’s Love...................................17Jenna Lipke, Old School Memories.........................15Joseph Lisi, Origami Panda w/Chandelier...............16Shawn Mack, A Walk on the Wild Side.....................29Laura Masuicca, Rainbow Rockers.........................12Julia McKinney, Mirror Mirror..................................27Amber Micek, Memory..............................................1Jessica Nelson, Mr. Poppa......................................18Stephen Novak, That Works!...................................20Elizabeth Perra, Reflection......................................19Christopher Rudgick, Perceptions.........................24Hannah Rufo, See The World Through My Eyes......23Joseph Rufo, The Mailman.......................................4Michael Simmons, The Lone Wolf..........................26Clark Simson, Mandrill............................................14Andrew Swarm, Breaking Bread...............................6Robert Szpak, Woman of Character........................26Jeff Tessier, Snow Mobile.......................................16Jonathan Tipton, A Beautiful Chair #2 - The Flower...............................................................10Erika Vitthuhn, Dragon............................................21Adrianna Walls, Black Window.................................9Elizabeth Watson, How I Am...................................11Kristen Webb, Oreo..................................................7Josh Webster, Long Winters Night...........................30Carol Wells, Think Positive.....................................12Randy Wilson, Aliens in Egypt..................................4Tim Wobus, Ruby.....................................................3 Honorable Mention.................................................32

1

Amber Micek comes from a family of established printmakers. She has found that art is a way to deal with the loneliness and isolation that accompanies her bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. Memory is a minimalistic work that evokes the dreamlike nature of memory. UNIQUE 2010-2013.

MEMORYAmber Micek

Acrylic on Canvas | 7” x 5”

Jennifer Fulco was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly after she started college at S.U. Jennifer draws inspiration from other poets as well as music in order to write poems that express her emotions. Triumph is a poem that is a reflection on the nature of truth and honesty. UNIQUE 2007-2013.

A TRIUMPH OF TRUTHS

Jennifer Fulco

True feelings can open lyrical truth.True emotions can release what’s uncouth.True reality is a gentle kiss from above.True romance is the reality suggesting love.A true heart will bring success.An openly true mind will remind us of what’s left.A true experience will never be forgot.A true listener is always sought.A true sense of loyalty and strengthis amongst the revolving door and its length.A truthful piece of writing or poetryAllows an in depth thoughtful reality.Some say the truth is sometimes unknown.Truth inside poetic dreams, I do condone.Truth is the prudent and only way.True metaphor is the sunrise climax of the day.

2

Kimmy Harvey is a mother of three and former nurse who survived a traumatic brain injury in 2008. Since then, she has used writing and painting as a part of her recovery process. Her art is eclectic, changing her style as needed. This piece represents the freedom of perspective. UNIQUE 2012-2013.

Jeremy Kelley takes inspiration for his art from creating facsimiles of things that he sees on TV and the computer. He enjoys creating exact reproductions of images that he likes, and Bald Mountain was created from a scene in the film Fantasia. UNIQUE 2008-2009, 2011-2012.

THE ESCAPEKimmy Harvey


BALD MOUNTAINJeremy Kelley

Watercolor on Paper | 10” x 8”

3

Tim Wobus has autism, is non-verbal, and is from the Manlius area. He enjoys being with his family as much as he does creating art. He chooses colors that depict his mood and uses large brushes to create his paintings. Ruby is made with acrylics and is named after his grandmother. UNIQUE 2006-2008, 2010-2013.

RUBYTim Wobus


Hannah Emerson is a young woman with autism who uses a keyboard to communicate. She enjoys horseback riding, and loves creating connections with other people. “‘G” Clef is a representation of her love of music, and how music and rhythm become as important to her as life itself. First Year in UNIQUE.

“G” CLEFHannah Emerson

i think in my body i have rhythm that controls my feel of the flow of the world that move trying to become proof of existence. music is harmony, rhythm, intelligence, movement, pleasure, connection and disconnection, life itself. i fragment myself like pieces of pure natural vibrant sounds. i nourish myself with musibility understanding that nothing in this planet is out of musical control. my mood pleasing my inner rhythm and showing my being here.

4

Joseph Rufo, 21, has Down syndrome, and lives in Fayetteville. He enjoys sports, exercising, and painting. For Joseph, painting is a way that he is able to express himself and not be limited by his disability. Mailman is a portrait that captures the vibrant and excitable character of the titular figure. UNIQUE 2010-2013.

Randy Wilson uses art to challenge himself to think outside of the box. Aliens in Egypt was created using a point system on a computer where he assembled a myriad of shapes and colors into an aesthetically pleasing formation. He finds peace in art which helps him visualize life’s journey. UNIQUE 2013.

THE MAILMANJoseph Rufo

Oil on Paper | 15” x 19”

ALIENS IN EGYPTRandy Wilson

Oil on Canvas | 18” x 25”

5

Elizabeth Droge-Young is a doctoral student at Syracuse University. Her short essay recounts her time in a hospital dealing with her clinical depression. This very personal work was written to express the struggle of depression, and is a call for kindness and compassion for all. First Year in UNIQUE.

THERE CAN NEVER BE TOO MUCH COMPASSION

Elizabeth Droge-Young

If there is one thing that inpatient hospitalization taught me about humanity it’s that you cannot have too much compassion. One of the best compliments I’ve ever received came from a fellow patient — a 30-year-old woman who was put on dialysis because of what she had fed herself and otherwise put into her body. Upon introducing me to a new patient she said, “This is Liz, she’s nice. She doesn’t judge anybody.”

Granted, she gave me a little too much credit because I do still judge people. I had judged her. I said unkind and condemnatory things in my head about different patients, from the “d-nozzle” to the “crack head”, but I did my best to keep it out of my actions. And above all else, I tried to see everyone as a human being. I was deeply touched that my compassion came through and was recognized.

There is something incredibly powerful about temporarily sharing space with people who are fundamentally unhappy with their lives, but ready for change. Our shared distaste for the way we treated ourselves organically arose in conversation and was recognized daily. In group psychotherapy any remark on a disdained habit or sense of grief for our former, healthy selves was quickly followed with the concession that simply by being present in the ward we must ALL feel that way. We may have each been going through our own challenges: depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse and addiction, bipolar disorder — but we had a common desire to no longer relate to ourselves in the same injurious way that landed us in inpatient.

There are ample platitudes circling the internet about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes and not judging your fellow man because you do not know his challenges — which often seems to boil down to “he might have cancer”. During my stay in the hospital I was confronted with the profound and pervasive impact that mental illness can have on one’s daily experience.

Judge not your fellow man. Despite having delusions of knowing every famous black political and entertainment mogul, he could be pained that people insist he take medication because he feels, in heart of hearts, that he is completely sane. She could be experiencing terrifying delusions she works with every bit of her fiber to make disappear. He could be on his third day of sobriety after a friend walked in on him with a gun in his mouth. Existence could hurt him so much that the only way he could think to communicate is by putting his elbow through a window. More likely than not, she’s probably also judging herself for not having been through “enough” to justify feeling depressed. You have no idea the burdensome demons people are struggling with despite calm exteriors.

There can never be too much compassion.

6

Kaushik Krishnan created Cube as an exercise in symmetry and structure that depicts the connectedness that we as humans share. Art plays a large role in Krishnan’s life as it soothes the soul, and helps quiet the anxieties of life. UNIQUE 2013.

Andrew Swarm inherited his artistic ability from his family. His style is based on Dali, and he finds that creating art helps with his depression and sedentary moments when he feels overcome by his diabetes. Breaking Bread is about communicating and reconnecting with God. UNIQUE 2013.

CUBEKaushik Krishnan

Ceramic | 4.5” x 4.5” x 4.5”

BREAKING BREADAndrew Swarm


7

Kristen Webb was born with cerebral palsy, and has been creating art for years in school. Kristen has found that art boosts her self-confidence and gives her feelings of happy contentment. This piece is of the artist’s cat lounging in his favorite spot. UNIQUE 2010-2013.

Jeffrey Harrington is a natural-born artist, and has been studying art for years. He has found that art and creativity help him communicate through his autism and expressive language disorder. Floating Over an English Garden came from his love of nature and is a bird’s-eye view of a garden. UNIQUE 2008-2013.

FLOATING OVER AN ENGLISH GARDENJeffrey Harrington


OREOKristen Webb

Oil Pastels | 11” x 13.5”

8

Amanda Julian has been creating art in a myriad of styles for over two years. She enjoys artistic experimentation; often utilizing different colors and paint brushes for effect. This work was inspired by her family and friends, and was created over a period of six months. First Year in UNIQUE.

WHAT’S SO FUNNY?Amanda Julian


Benjamin Kellogg, 23, is a voracious reader and a passionate writer who not only creates poetry, but writes about his experiences dealing with his autism in a bi-weekly blog. Autism Awareness is an acrostic poem about pursuing passions. First Year in UNIQUE.

AUTISM AWARENESSBenjamin Kellogg

Awakening to this reality was scary at first, not so much now

Understanding the effects of this condition is an ongoing process

Timid nature from the start, but confidence came as barriers fell away

Intelligence helps immensely; now if only I wasn’t so weak physically?

Senses are hyperactive, generally functional, slightly unfocused

My outlook remains sunny; I work to clear the clouds

Acknowledgement of my limits and overcoming them continues

Working toward acceptance in the wider world is rewarding, too

Actions in positive directions remove the negative stigma one piece at a time

Repeating mistakes is common in my life; I’d like to stop them

Education continues on life skills and new ways to live with the condition

“Never thought I’d survive this long,” I think to myself at the start of some days

Extreme emotional reactions used to be frequent, still happen sometimes

Slowing down and taking in all details has greatly helped

Stopped to see how far I have to go; I like my chances, I keep walking on

9

Anna Marie Kuiper is a college graduate who studied to be a dietician. She uses art to express her feelings that she couldn’t ordinarily discuss due to her schizophrenia. She is influenced by Van Gough, and uses bold colors and lines in her wall hangings and tapestries. UNIQUE 2012-2013.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Anna Marie Kuiper

Fiber Art | 30” x 36”

Adrianna Walls, 15, uses writing and poetry as therapy to deal with the stress of living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Black Window is dedicated to her grandmother who provided the positive inspiration for the poem and who is a constant light in Adrianna’s life. First Year in UNIQUE.

BLACK WINDOWAdrianna Walls

I feel like I’m in a world on my ownIt’s like a flame to my heart

My world is dark and there’s no way outThe light I have gone without

When you’re not here it’s nothing but fearI feel scared, afraid, and sometimes aloneLike I’m sitting in front of a black window

I’m not a cold soulI feel like I have no memorable momentsAnd I do not have the time to even own it

This place is cold and no place to turnThose bad moments I just want to burn

I feel like I’m looking at my life through a black window

My grandma is my saviorAnd she puts up with my crazy behaviorI’m in a black hole so give me your hand

and let’s make this planLet’s show the world we have a chance

…black window

I’m really impatient — As you can see

10

Carleen Giannotti has lived in a group home with Upstate Cerebral Palsy for over 25 years. She uses art to express herself and often creates bold, abstract works using an A.R.T. tracker. She loves the colors blue and orange and combines them with other colors so that they stand out. UNIQUE 2012-2013.

Jonathan Tipton, a lifelong artist who has autism, uses art as a way to communicate. Jonathan is able to use drawing as a way to help focus. Beautiful Chair captures a bright sunny day and the artist’s love of the outdoors. UNIQUE 2013.

A BEAUTIFUL CHAIR #2 - THE FLOWERJonathan Tipton

Colored Pencil on Paper | 25” x 19”

THE SURFCarleen Giannotti


11

Elizabeth Watson captures herself in a stunning self-portrait in How I Am. She is a 21-year old Fayetteville native who uses art as a way to overcome her disability of cerebral palsy. This piece was created to help bring inner peace during a stressful time. UNIQUE 2009, 2011-2013.

Brian Haher, 26, has autism and lives in Otisco with his family. Taking inspiration from the surrealist masters, Brian created an abstract piece in Spiral, creating a new and unfamiliar landscape. This piece was created to have a dreamlike feel, and abstractly captures the artist’s feelings. UNIQUE 2012-2013.

AUTUMN AFTERNOON WITH SPIRAL

Brian Haher


HOW I AMElizabeth Watson

Oil on Paper | 14.5” x 10.5”

12

Laura Masuicca, 49, acquired a disability in 2007 due to a back injury. While creating all types of art, her favorite way of expressing her creativity is through crochet. This piece was custom-made based on a pattern of The Beatles, but with a unique, modern, and LGBT twist. UNIQUE 2009 & 2012.

RAINBOW ROCKERSLaura Masuicca

Mixed Media | 24” x 23.5” x 22.5”

Carol Wells uses art as a therapeutic way to cope with the struggles of living with a traumatic brain injury. Think Positive is a poem that bubbles over with the positivity and creativity that shows how art provides her with hope and gives her motivation to never give up. First Year in UNIQUE.

THINK POSITIVECarol Wells

A Brain is a Mystery,It controls everything

If you treat it with Respect,You might get what you Expect

It has its good days + bad ones too!!So try to give it a chance,

So you can advanceYou can do whatever you want,

If your heart is in it too.So be positive + do your best,

So you won’t be negative like the rest.

13

Jessica Bero has Down syndrome and lives on Delta Lake in Rome. She studied photography in school and loves to capture the beauty of the natural world. The Mist of the Sun is a piece that deftly captures the rising sun over a picturesque lake, and reminds the artist of smiles and friendship. UNIQUE 2009 & 2012.

EMOTIONSVickie Darby

Vickie Darby is a survivor who deals with mental illness and general anxiety, by writing poetry. Emotions is a poem that examines physical trauma as well as hurt, anxiety and loss. The poet ends the piece with a declaration of strength and hopes that others can find the inner strength to carry on. UNIQUE 2013.

THE MIST OF THE SUNJessica Bero

Mixed Media | 18” x 24”

Here I lay wondering whyWhy you think I’m yours to pry.I’m not a toy for you to playYou played on my emotionsWithout any delayYou took my heart, soulDignity, trust, feelingsRight away, when you raped me.Took my body awayLeft me motionless,With no strengthTo this dayI’ll never forgetHow you stripped it all awayI’m still hurt, lost, very confusedYour unforgiven pain, you caused meWill always haunt me today, everydayI shall not weep no moreI’m strong, I’m a survivorNo one can hurt me no more.

14

Clark Simson studies and draws wildlife and nature. Clark enjoys capturing the beauty of the natural world and its inhabitants. Mandrill is the eponymous work of that majestic creature using colored pencils and a paper casting technique. First Year in UNIQUE.

Derek Grindle has created art since he was very young and uses it to release some of the negative emotions he feels from having autism. It’s Beautiful Out was inspired by his love of his hometown of Oswego. UNIQUE 2004-2013.

MANDRILLClark Simson


IT’S BEAUTIFUL OUTDerek Grindle

Digital | 13.5” x 10.5”

15

Jenna Lipke, 13, was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 9. She lives in Chittenango, and does not let her disability stop her from doing what she loves. Inspired by a museum trip and by her art teacher, the painting draws upon the freedom to create and remember memories. First Year in UNIQUE.

Timothy Coomey loves the outdoors. He takes great enjoyment from being outside in nature, and this love permeates his artistic endeavors. Eagle was created after Tim saw an eagle while camping in the Adirondack Mountains. Eagle is a paper casting sculpture. First Year in UNIQUE.

EAGLETimothy Coomey


OLD SCHOOL MEMORIESJenna Lipke

Acrylic on Paper | 20” x 16”

16

Jeff Tessier lives in Canastota and enjoys farm work and creating art with recycled materials. He likes making masterpieces using things that are typically sent to the landfill. Snow Mobile was made using an old shoe and other found materials. First Year in UNIQUE.

Joseph Lisi, 17, loves to draw and paint and studies these subjects in school where he shares his love of art with everyone. He enjoys the act of creating, and this piece was made using chalk to draw his favorite animal. UNIQUE 2013.

SNOW MOBILEJeff Tessier

Recycled Materials | 3” x 12.5” x 3”

ORIGAMI PANDA WITH CHANDELIERJoseph Lisi

Chalk on Paper | 11.5” x 8.5”

17

Dawn Liddle is a lifelong artist who has a deep love for, and connection with, animals. On top of her drawing, she creates using paint, clay, and sculptures. Mother’s Love is a mosaic piece that captures a tender moment of love. First Year in UNIQUE.

MOTHER’S LOVEDawn Liddle

Marker on Paper | 8.5” x 11”

Unconditional Love

Shaun Benishek

Shaun Benishek, 27, uses writing to express his feelings relating to his bipolar and mental health disorders. Unconditional Love expresses his love and celebrates his relationship with his fiancée. This poem is dedicated to her for their 10th anniversary. First Year in UNIQUE.

You are my rockYou are my soulThe one whoMakes me whole.I will be there forYou both day and night.I’ll love youWith all my might.I love youFor who you areYou shine bright, like a shooting star.You pick me upWhen I fall down.You make me laughLike a circus clown.My greatest moment is meeting you.Throughout the yearsYou’ve been loyal and true.I’ll continue to love youWith each passing day-Even when, we’re old and gray.

I love you.

18

Jessica Nelson grew up in Syracuse in a very creative household. Jennifer has always loved art and enjoys using Sculpey, a polymer clay. Mr. Poppa has fiery red hair which makes her think of her father and all of his creative ideas. UNIQUE 2013.

Kendra Bellino, a Canastota native, uses art as therapy to help ease the tics from her OCD and Tourette syndrome. Kendra would like to pursue art as a career. 13,000 Awesomeness is inspired by her love of taking pens apart and spilling the ink onto a blank surface. First Year in UNIQUE.

13,000 AWESOMENESSKendra Bellino

Ink on Canvas | 14” x 11”

MR. POPPAJESSICA NELSON

Polymer Clay and Acrylic | 5” x 2.5” x .25”

19

REFLECTIONElizabeth Perra

Elizabeth Perra is a poem about the relationship between a woman and the horse she loved. When Elizabeth was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis she turned to ARISE at the Farm for horseback riding lessons and immediately fell in love with Smokey. This poem is dedicated to Smokey, who helped her find happiness and a sense of belonging after receiving her diagnosis. First Year in UNIQUE.

I looked into your beautiful eye and saw your heart and soulIt also showed me a reflection of a person I used to knowThat person was me so long ago.I was happy back then, no disease or sorrow. I would always look forward to a brighter tomorrow.But then came the sickness that took away what I knew.I became a shell of myself and totally withdrew.When I saw you my heart jumped a beat, I felt somehow I knew with you I was complete.When I saw my reflection in your eye, It was smiling back at me no tears in my eyes.We bonded, we trusted, we became so closeYou showed me how to trust you and even myself.We walked on, we trotted, we weaved conesYou gave me a freedom and happiness I had never known.You were so strongSo eager to pleaseEven though your age was starting to showYou competed with all your vigor and mightYou gave the young horses such a good fightA competition we won, my heart on fire!Riding with you became my burning desire.You gave me back a most precious giftThe ability to smile and mean it again.You became my legs so I could run, the wind in my hair, my closed up world undone.Such a creature with such a big heart.It broke my world into pieces when we had to part.The heavens called you and you had to go.How I grieved you will never know.I miss your nudges and friendly play, our walk, our trots and feeding you hay.I miss a friendship, a love like no other.You were one of a kindHow will I ever ride another?Your spirit is with me this I knowWhenever I ride with me you will goI can always feel you right by my sideMy guardian angel along for the rideIn every horse’s eyeI will see your reflectionAnd there and in my heartYou will always be Forever Young…

20

Steven Novak has been creating art in the Upstate Cerebral Palsy art program for two years. Preferring large brushes and masking tape, his paintings take on an incredible layered effect as he brushes thick paint onto a blank canvas. That Works! is a testament to his creativity and devotion to his art. First Year in UNIQUE.

Vivian Golding uses a paint program on her computer to create her art, due to complications from her multiple sclerosis. Taking inspiration from life’s challenges and her devout faith, she painted this piece which captures the tranquil beauty in Aruba. UNIQUE 2003-2007, 2009, 2012-2013.

THAT WORKS!Stephen Novak


ARUBA-POOR CATHOLIC CHURCHVivian Golding

Digital | 3.5” x 5”

21

Vykky Ebner, a Baldwinsville native, has had schizoaffective disorder for many years. She spends a lot of time creating and making art, and has recently focused on dualism between illness and wellness. Mondo is a portrait of one of her artistic heroes. UNIQUE 2010.

Erika Vitthuhn has a deft eye for color and created Dragon with a sense of whimsy and fantasy. The piece was created using paper casting with a combination of watercolor painting. She captures the mythos and magic of dragons in this fantastical piece. UNIQUE 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013.

DRAGONErika Vitthuhn


MONDO GUERRAVykky Ebner


22

Sabrina Biggs lives in Syracuse and is a lifelong artist with a strong connection to Disney movies. She has ADD and OCD which helps her artistic endeavors because her mind never rests, and she is always creating something in her mind. Imagination is a piece about that: the limitless scope of a child’s imagination. First Year in UNIQUE.

THE POWER OF IMAGINATIONSabrina Biggs

Digital | 8.5” x 11”

Wyatt Kyle, 13, has autism and uses poetry as an outlet for his thoughts and emotions. Wyatt uses his day-to-day life experiences as a source of inspiration for his poetry, and Dream is an examination of his inner-self. UNIQUE 2013.

A MID-DAY DREAMWyatt Kyle

A song bird, a willow tree, a mellow tune in a graceful dream.The sun is bright with rainbow rays and unicorns graze in the meadows and plains.

A tiny stream far off gives life anew to a withered crop.In this place I know so dear is the happiness I know never to fear.

Often I feel that this was never a dream.But how could that be, it is so heavenly.

With the wave of my hand.My dream is over.

Now to confront reality and take my place in this wasteful world.I walk so somber in this misplaced arena, yet whenever I get the chanceI drift away to daydream.

To sketch and write about the place I love that no one seesBecause this place resides only deep within me.

23

Frank Burns & Sara Morrow created Star Field as a collaborative piece. They share a passion for art and this piece was made at their Day Hab program. Star Field is a piece that exclaims “I am a star” and was created using bright colors and patterns that express holidays and campfires. First Year in UNIQUE.

Hannah Rufo is a student at F-M High School who is studying photography. She uses her autism in her art as she tries to capture for others how she sees the world. This self-portrait focuses in on her eyes as it is difficult for her to look in the eyes of others and herself. UNIQUE 2010.

STAR FIELDFrank Burns &

Sara Morrow


SEE THE WORLD THROUGH MY EYES

Hannah Rufo

Photography | 8” x 10”

24

Christopher Rudgick has a big and colorful personality that shines through even though he is non-verbal and has autism. He chose and arranged the colors in this piece with the help of a direct care professional. Perceptions challenges the viewer to embrace their own interpretation and perception. First Year in UNIQUE.

PERCEPTIONSChristopher Rudgick


Mary Coogan, a Baldwinsville native, uses writing as therapy to help deal with living life being legally blind and having bipolar disorder. For Mary, the act of sitting and writing creates a stillness within her mind that acts as a sanctuary. Within is a look inside the poet’s mind that expresses cynicism and stillness. UNIQUE 2004, 2013.

WITHINMary Coogan

Like the fawn on a new day dawning it quiets me.

A bed of cool grass lies beneath me.

Whispers throw soft breezes my way when

the sounds within are deafening.

The echo always repeats itself in hollows big and small,

not unlike the insincerities I often hear.

Say no more and I will understand.

The heart is true in its monologue but

not so the dialogues of false prophets.

The seesaw of indecision falls hard to the left or

to the right and your choice will yield its crop.

The fawn rises amidst the wind which carries away

the noises from within.

Its presence is always near.

25

Erin Kelley uses art and writing to help express her emotions and feelings when she is unable to voice them. It is with this in mind that she created this piece to represent her use of the written word in this way. This painting was created using a wet-into-wet technique creating a feathery impression on the page. UNIQUE 2007, 2010-2012.

THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN

THE SWORDErin Kelley

Watercolor | 16” x 12”

Christine Eldred, a 50-year old native of Utica, sustained a traumatic brain injury after a car accident at age 17. She began to write poems after her accident as a way of expressing negative feelings and grief. Time examines the forward march of time and reminds the reader to always appreciate the now. UNIQUE 2008 - 2013.

TIME IS ~ WHAT ABOUT TIME

Christine Eldred

TIME IS

Time is too slow for those who wait,too swift for those who fear,

and too long for those who grieve.But for those who love,

Time is eternity.

WHAT ABOUT TIME

Time is now disappearing before usYear after year always

But when you begin reading this poem itis “now” and soon it is “then”

Actually what we have to work out with time is“when” is it here.

26

Robert Szpak, 65, is a Westvale native who has schizoaffective disorder. He loves to read and has created art since he was very young. Woman of Character is a portrait of a woman he met in DC, and he captures the interesting, well-lived features of this woman entering her senior years. UNIQUE 2008-2013.

Michael Simmons is a well-known and celebrated poet and artist from Watertown. He is blind, and creates due to his love of art. Because he is blind, he had to learn to paint using his other senses. He often paints from memory, and hopes his paintings will bring joy to others. UNIQUE 2010.

THE LONE WOLFMichael Simmons


WOMAN OF CHARACTERRobert Szpak

Pencil on Paper | 15.5” x 12”

27

Julia McKinney wrote Mirror Mirror as a raw examination of the years of abuse through which she suffered. In this poem, Julia drops her mask and reflects on the ways that her life experiences have affected her through manifestations of bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). UNIQUE 2013.

MIRROR MIRRORJulia McKinney

When I look in the mirror, what do I see?A victim of violence looking at me.Scars of being beaten black and blueOld and new scars, what in the world could I do?I pretended so long that everything was fine,Always tiptoeing, never knowing when I’d crossed the lineThat invisible line when crossed brought pain.Pain that was meant to put me in my place,When would my heart ever have peace?Black eyes, broken bones that was my life.Caused by someone who claimed to love me, asked me to be his wifeWhen I look in the mirror, what do I see? Not the person I think I should be.Who is that person looking at me?I see an old woman broken and torn,Like a piece of old furniture ragged and worn.My life though better, isn’t what it seemsIt’s filled with sadness and tearsFrom all those many lost yearsLost to delusions that I was lovedLost was happiness just out of reachLost was my future, loneliness was all I could seeIn its place was an illusion of who I could beAs I sit and look back at my life Why did things happen the way that they did?Oh, how I pretend everything is fine Again I put my mask on so nobody can see just how much my life has affected me.

28

Fran Gavin uses art as a way of dealing with chronic pain. He is inspired by his grandmother, by Bob Ross, and by nature. Fran creates art and music as a form of cogitative distraction. This painting was made in January as a way to escape the bitter Syracuse winter. First Year in UNIQUE.

Gary Forbes began carving birds over 20 years ago. Carving and creating give him an inner peace. Using the skills of patience and perseverance that he gained from a lifetime of living with polio, he crafted this masterpiece of the American Avocet. First Year in UNIQUE.

MOUNTAIN BY MORNINGFran Gavin


AMERICAN AVOCET (SHOREBIRD)Gary Forbes

Bass Wood and Acrylic | 14.25” x 3” x 13”

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Jean LeoGrande is 73-years young and loves creating art with a historical context. The artist, who is dyslexic and has a brain tumor, takes a love of history and combines it with art to create unique pieces drenched in the past. The Pioneers was created to immortalize the old west. First Year in UNIQUE.

Shawn Mack uses art as a way to relax after an accident, and even learned how to create using his left hand. Wild Side is a piece that uses multiple textures and pastel colors to create a powerful portrait of a saber-toothed tiger. UNIQUE 2006, 2008, 2010-2011.

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Shawn Mack

Mixed Media | 20” x 15.5”

THE PIONEERSJean LeoGrande

Pencil on Paper | 14” x 16”

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Josh Webster has found that sketching and painting have proven to be very therapeutic in dealing with his brain injury. Taking inspiration from his teachers and letting his inner creativity run free, this painting is a reflection of the tranquility found in nature. UNIQUE 2008-2010, 2012-2013.

A MAN OUT IN THE COLDSue Ellis

Sue Ellis was diagnosed with encephalitis as a child and has been writing poetry since she was very young. Taking inspiration from the creativity of others, the poem is an emotional examination of the reality of homelessness and the struggles faced by the less fortunate. UNIQUE 2010-2012.

LONG WINTER’S NIGHTJosh Webster


He walks the streets of New YorkAs he sees others around like himHe thinks of those who have it all

Wonders why he can’tA man out in the cold

With holes in his jeansThe soles of his shoes warn

A man out in the coldSun soon to be going down

Shelter he must findA park bench will be his place to sleep

A man out in the coldHe thinks of how great it would be

To find something warm to eatA man out in the cold

Here on the streets of New York CityAll he hears is his echo in the cold

He knows his time is shortA man out in the cold

He knows he must walk to surviveHere on the streets of New York City

Time sure passes slow to allMen out in the cold

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The UNIQUE Editorial Board recognizes the talent and creativity of the following artists and writers:

Caleb AlfordJonathan AutreyTim BennettRaysean BroughtonDiane BudnarSheala BurksAlan ChubbuckHilary CookhouseQuran DansbyDeborah DarrowJoseph DumasEsther DygertTheodora EmchChristopher FosterJody GoffDavid Gordon

Kim GrindleLinda JeffersonJohn KettlerKatherine KippJean KoekElizabeth ManzoNancy MarshfieldMarie MartinRichard McCarthyKristen NesciJuliana PataShawn PlunkettRachel PrattOramella PutmanMadeline RatcliffJason Rauscher

Kathleen RolandSusan RyanChristopher SaarCharles SerwayBetty StevensKristen StosalMinnie ThompsonRenee ThorntonAmanda TownsendKaren VoasMartha WadleighDonna WalrathTanner WoodlandRuthie Yoder

DO YOU WANT TO SUBMIT TO UNIQUE?UNIQUE is published annually to display the creative work of people with disabilities living in Central New York. We welcome submissions of written and visual art. Guidelines and deadlines for UNIQUE 2015 will be announced in March 2015 and will be available at uniquemagazine.org.

CONTACT USUNIQUE Magazinec/o ARISE635 James StreetSyracuse, NY 13203uniquemagazine.org

Alternative FormatsPortions of UNIQUE are available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact ARISE at (315) 472-3171.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR UNIQUE 2014 PROVIDED BY:

UNIQUE Contributors

Tom & Lynne McKeown

UNIQUE Donors

R. Douglas Eaton & Nancy Kern Eaton

WAYS TO SUPPORT UNIQUE

BECOME AN UNDERWRITERUNIQUE sponsorship celebrates the creative spirit and raises awareness about disabilities by supporting the community exhibition and printing of the free publication. Sponsorship levels start a $500 - $5,000.

To learn more, contact Nancy Kern Eaton at 671-2903 or [email protected].

MAKE A GIFTYour charitable contribution is a strong statement that you share our commitment to celebrating the artistic expression of people of all abilities. Your donation to UNIQUE or other ARISE programs makes it possible for us to continue to provide a wide array of services for people who have all types of disabilities.

ARISE is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. To make a donation, use our secure online form at ariseinc.org or mail a check to: ARISE Foundation 635 James Street Syracuse, NY 13203.

PURCHASE CALENDARS & PRINTS2015 UNIQUE Wall Calendars and Notecards are available for purchase at our ARISE Syracuse office. You can also order a print of your favorite UNIQUE artwork. Not only do they make great gifts, a portion of the proceeds support UNIQUE and ARISE. For more information, call 671-2909.

635 James StreetSyracuse, NY 13203

AUTISM AWARENESSBy: Benjamin Kellogg

Awakening to this reality was scary at first, not so much now

Understanding the effects of this condition is an ongoing process

Timid nature from the start, but confidence came as barriers fell away

Intelligence helps immensely; now if only I wasn’t so weak physically?

Senses are hyperactive, generally functional, slightly unfocused

My outlook remains sunny; I work to clear the clouds

Acknowledgement of my limits and overcoming them continues

Working toward acceptance in the wider world is rewarding, too

Actions in positive directions remove the negative stigma one piece at a time

Repeating mistakes is common in my life; I’d like to stop them

Education continues on life skills and new ways to live with the condition

“Never thought I’d survive this long,” I think to myself at the start of some days

Extreme emotional reactions used to be frequent, still happen sometimes

Slowing down and taking in all details has greatly helped

Stopped to see how far I have to go; I like my chances, I keep walking on

MEMORYAmber MicekAcrylic on Canvas | 7” x 5”

ART & LITERARY MAGAZINE 2014 - ARISE · ART & LITERARY MAGAZINE 2014. ... facebook.com/ARISEcny ... created from a scene in the film Fantasia. UNIQUE 2008-2009, 2011-2012. THE ESCAPE

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