Artist's talents unveiled, Aspire plans third auction

Elaine Matla, finishes a design to be sold at the third annual Aspire of Western New York's aspiring artists event planned for Sept. 8. She will also have two pieces in the auction, where her entry last year sold for more than $700. Elaine Matla, has been painting for only three years but her work has sold for more than $700 and is selected for auction each year.

Matla, of Williamsville, is one of only a few artists being featured in the third annual aspiring artists' art and wine celebration. The event, held by Aspire of Western New York, auctions works of art created by Aspire's iXpress artists.

Aspire's iXpress, an expressive art program, was founded in 2000 for people with cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities and similar conditions. It originated as a visual arts program and has expanded to include all forms of artistic expression, from painting, clay sculpting and writing to acting, singing and playing musical instruments.

With two pieces included in the auction, Matla is looking forward to watching the bidding action. Her one piece, Pansies, has been used as the cover art for the event's invitation.

"I just like to paint. I didn't think I would be able to, but with painting, it just comes natural," Matla, 59, said.

Born with cerebral palsy, she has been in a wheelchair her entire life. By taping off areas of the canvas with brightly colored tape, Matla is able to work section by section on her next work of art. This helps with her vision problems and coordination.

"Painting has made me happy, I never dreamed I would be able to," she said. "When I paint, it relaxes me, which helps my muscles that are sometimes tight."

Lindsay Perzel, iXpress art instructor at three Aspire locations, said each of the artists are different, and she accommodates their needs. Physical limitations sometimes require hand-over-hand assistance, adaptive equipment such as a head pointer or adjustments to a brush.

"I have seen a change in their self-confidence. They are very proud of themselves when they see their work out in the community and the reactions," Perzel said about the iXpress program and aspiring artists' event.

Also included in the auction are two large collaboration pieces created by Aspire artists and Ginny Lohr, curator of education at the University at Buffalo's Anderson Gallery.

With a master's degree in fine arts and as a registered nurse, Lohr has been able to work with artists and generate therapeutic benefit, Perzel said.

This year's aspiring artists' event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8 at Aspire's Audubon location, 2356 North Forest Road at Millersport Highway. In addition to the auction, aspiring artists' prints, cards and designer scarves will be for sale. Wine tasting and refreshments are included. Harmonica Dean and the Blue Lights will perform.

Tickets are $20 in advance. The deadline is Friday, Sept. 1. Call 505-5510 for information. Tickets will be sold at the door for $25. Last year's aspiring artists'

event raised more than $27,000, with nine pieces being auctioned. This year will feature 12 pieces, with more than 700 people expected to attend.

Aspire has also created the iDream Cash Calendar, which showcases the artists' work and provides funds for future art activities.