Meijer Gardens Teams With DisArt for New Exhibition

Through the finest examples of three-dimensional practice (sculpture, ceramics, performance, installation and video art), Process and Presence:
Contemporary Disability Sculpture, will be a new exhibition at the Meijer Gardens, opening September 14, emphasizing the relationship between disability and fundamental human experiences.

This innovative project is organized jointly by DisArt, a Grand Rapids-based arts and culture organization promoting full participation of disabled people in the arts, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

The sister-state relationship between Michigan and the Shiga Prefecture; Japan is the cornerstone of this exhibition. Shiga Prefecture is long distinguished by remarkable opportunities for people with disabilities. This exhibition began with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the sister-state relationship and grew to accommodate works by contemporary artists from Australia, Japan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Of course, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an ADA regulated and accessible facility. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are barrier-free with ramps and paved pathways to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers and allow easy maneuverability. Courtesy wheelchairs are available for use. Although pets are prohibited, certified service dogs are welcomed.

Visitors will be welcomed into the exhibition by several innovative accessibility measures designed carefully by DisArt and Meijer Gardens to encourage the full participation of guests, including audio description, altered installation practices and other digital resources.

With ArtPrize 10 opening September 19, the Meijer Gardens will have additional hours through October 7, Monday-Saturday 9 am-8 pm; Tuesday 9 am-9 pm; Sunday 11 am-6 pm.