N.S. festival highlights art made by people living with disabilities

Kimberley Csihas is one of the featured artists at the Art of Disability Festival. (Source: Kimberley Csihas)

An annual art festival that celebrates the work of creatives living with disabilities is back in Halifax this weekend.

The 13th Art of Disability Festival will feature paintings, jewelry, photography and even baked goods from more than 35 people on Saturday. Independent Living Nova Scotia hosts the event.

Kimberley Csihas is one of the featured artists. In 2013 she suffered a massive brainstem stroke and got in touch with Independent Living as part of the recovery process.

“I was welcomed with open arms,” Csihas said. “They’ve seen me through every step of the recovery.

“I now teach an art class for the festival. I love giving back.”

Csihas is an impressionist oil painter who will have framed prints and cards available at the event.

“It embraces and welcomes artists of all different disabilities,” she said. “You get embraced more by the festival than some other festivals that are available to us.

“Because we all have different disabilities, we can support each other. We’ve built a rapport and are all supporting one another, which is really amazing.”

Cameron Pye, the festival’s coordinator, said the event is the only one of its kind in Nova Scotia that’s exclusively open to people living with disabilities.

“This is an opportunity to get their work in front of more people,” Pye said. “Some of these individuals could sell their art at other festivals but they won’t have the same support.

“It all ties back to Independent Living’s philosophy. It champions the rights of individuals to live independently and with dignity. Try to help them break down those barriers.”

The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Pier 21. Admission is free.

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