Photograph by Michael Nagle

In September, one of the participants of Create Ability, MoMA’s monthly program for individuals with learning or developmental disabilities and their families, asked me, “Why don’t we have our own exhibition?” We were returning to the classroom to create our own art after a gallery tour wherein we’d discussed The Moroccans by Henri Matisse, Harlequin by Pablo Picasso, and the neon-colored sculptures by Franz West outside in the Sculpture Garden. I immediately began gathering artwork created each subsequent month, and on Thursday, March 4, the opening reception for the first exhibition of work produced by Create Ability participants was held.

The program participants, the featured artists of the evening, proudly escorted their family members, friends, and teachers through the exhibition. They pointed out their artwork and took photos next to each piece. Create Ability participants are encouraged to explore the various facets of their artistic ability through experimentation with diverse materials and processes, so there were many different types of work to show off and explain. The experience of seeing their art on the walls of MoMA delighted the artists and their loved ones. “I’m proud of myself,” beamed Adrianna, a woman who has been attending our program since it began four years ago.

The music was turned down for a short while so that participants could share their thoughts on art, MoMA, and what the Create Ability program means to them. What we heard were testimonials as to the importance of providing art programming for children and adults with disabilities, as well as the benefits that their family members receive from participating in the program.

The Create Ability exhibition is on view in MoMA’s Education and Research Building (entrance at 4 West Fifty-fourth Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues), during public hours through Monday, March 29.