“ArtShare for HeartShare” is a multi-media presentation featuring artwork created by children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The artists participate in HeartShare’s programs or live in one of HeartShare’s residences.
 
Last year, “ArtShare” pieces were displayed throughout the Downtown Brooklyn community at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering, National Grid at 1 MetroTech Center and the Brooklyn Public Library at Cadman Plaza.
 
Starting with about 35 submissions, “ArtShare for HeartShare” has grown to a show featuring up to 50 artists and more than 200 works, including drawings, paintings, collages, photographs, prints and hand-crafted jewelry. As a self-sustaining program, the proceeds from art sales go directly to the artists as well as support the purchase of quality art supplies, framing materials and gallery space.
 
“The looks of happiness and pride when the artists see their work and the work of their friends on display for the first time is priceless,” said Barbara Cuthel, founder and co-curator of the “ArtShare” program. “This exhibition is just one of many ways that HeartShare shows New York communities how capable this population really is. Their art has the creativity, imagination, energy and fresh perspective not seen among some trained contemporary artists.”