Annapolis, MD (July 26, 2024) - Yesterday evening, County Executive Steuart Pittman opened the 2024 Artists Without Limits Art Exhibit. The art exhibit will be on display at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library from July 25, 2024, through August 16, 2024, and at the Arundel Center from August 19, 2024, through September 16, 2024. The exhibits are free and open to the public. The exhibition features artwork from Anne Arundel County residents of all ages and abilities. Sixteen artists have contributed twenty-six pieces of art to display this year. The opening night reception was held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library in Annapolis, Maryland. The event included the presentation of citations to all of the artists from County Executive Steuart Pittman and councilmember Julie Hummer (District 4) representing the Anne Arundel County Council, and a proclamation from the Governor presented by Secretary of Disabilities Carol Beatty.
The evening exhibition also included a renaming ceremony. The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities, the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues (CODI), and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County proudly announced the official renaming of the Artists Without Limits Exhibit to the Nina De Angelo Artists Without Limits Exhibit, in honor of advocate and artist Nina De Angelo. Nina, a four-time exhibit participant, was an invisible disabilities and rare disease advocate who combined art with advocacy to bring awareness to the challenges she and others faced. Her portrait Haitian Wedding Day was used to create the new logo for the exhibit. Nina’s mother Mary, a CODI member in 2012, was instrumental in developing the commission's original event concept into the "Artists with Limits" program. Mary spoke of Nina's warmth, spirit, and determination to rewrite the narrative, create change in her community, and spread the message of inclusion. This lasting tribute in honor of Nina is proof that one person advocating for change can change the world.
This year marks the tenth annual Artists Without Limits Art Exhibit. "Art has the power to transcend barriers and bring people together," said County Executive Steuart Pittman. "I want to thank each of these artists for sharing their creativity, and for setting a powerful example for others."
The exhibit is presented by the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities, the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues (CODI), and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County. April Nyman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Arts Council, stated, "This is the tenth year that we've partnered with the Commission on Disability Issues on this exciting art exhibit. As exhibit jurors, we were so impressed with the quality of the artwork submitted. This event gets better each year. It's great that we can give this kind of exposure to artists with disabilities."
Gregory Snyder II, Chair of CODI, stated, "Through this remarkable art exhibit, people of all abilities are able to proudly showcase their unique talents and skills in a prominent and esteemed platform. This initiative not only empowers these artists but also plays a vital role in reshaping societal perceptions towards people with disabilities."
About The Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues
The Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues advises the County Executive and the County Council on the coordination and development of government policies, programs, and services for people with disabilities. For more information, contact the commission at 410-222-4383 or via TTY using Maryland Relay 7-1-1.
Please visit the Commission's website at http://www.aacounty.org/
About The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County
The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, also known as the Cultural Arts Foundation, works to create a strong financial support system for the entire spectrum of arts groups in the county. Through a partnership of public and private interests, it provides funding for music, dance, drama, and the visual arts. Please visit the Arts Council website at http://www.acaac.org/.
About The Department of Aging and Disabilities
The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities is dedicated to assisting older adults, adults with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers. The mission of the department is to develop and administer services and programs which promote choice, independence and dignity for our community members, their families, and caregivers. We advocate for and protect the rights of the aging and sometimes vulnerable population that is on the rise. We will achieve our mission through extensive outreach, leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and commitment to the community we serve.
For more information about membership, programming, or for accommodations, please visit www.aacounty.org/aging or contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-4257 or by email at info_and_assistance@aacounty.