Outside Forces

Art Enables 16th annual exhibition of work by self-taught artists

Featuring: Arts of Life artists Ted Hamel, Nikole Heusman, and Becky Kubica

The term “outsider art” may call to mind a number of concepts, many that have been historically debated. Defined in the strictest sense, it may include only artists who work in extreme isolation, have little to no contact with other artists and art institutions, and who may not even have a concept of their own work as art. Today, with outsider art gaining popularity and recognition, and under the ever-present influence of the internet, the term is often (sometimes controversially) used more broadly, focusing on self-taught artists. While an exact definition of outsider art can be difficult to pin down, one often feels they know it when they see it: inventive work of extreme individuality motivated by the artist’s own personal concepts and desires, rather than the expectations of the mainstream art world.

Art Enables embraces these more expansive parameters in “Outside Forces.” Featured artists include individuals who are emerging and self-taught, are from traditionally underrepresented communities, and those with disabilities. All have paved their own way in the formation of their work, representing personal experiences and interests in individual styles developed outside the conventions of mainstream art education and culture. This exhibition began in 2006 as a way for DC-area groups working with self-taught artists to exhibit together. Over the last 15 years, the exhibition’s success has seen it grow to span all three gallery spaces at Art Enables, featuring artists from across the nation alongside our resident artists. The show continues to be an excellent introduction for a community curious about outsider art, looking to start their own collection with a selection of affordable work in a wide array of styles.

Participating Studios and Artists: The Arts Access Program at Matheny, Art Enables, Arts of Life, Creative Citizen Studios, Creativity Explored, ECF Art Centers, Imagine That!, Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, Make Studio, North Pole Studio, PASC, Project Onward, Pure Vision Arts, SAGE Studio & Gallery, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Sophie’s Gallery, VaultArt Studio, VisAbility Art Lab, Visionaries and Voices, Jack Crowley, Scott Haugh, Mike Hyman, Janel Mirendah, Nami Oshiro, Rachel Pomponi, Yasmine Posey, Leroy Skalstad, Emily Tironi, Jessica Valoris, and Charlie Visconage

Opening reception:
Saturday, September 10th,  4 – 7 p.m

Masks required.

Public gallery hours:
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m

by appointment

A digital exhibition of the work will be available at www.art-enables.org beginning September 2.

About Art Enables: Art Enables is an art gallery and vocational arts program dedicated to creating opportunities for artists with disabilities to make, market, and earn income from their original and compelling artwork while building crucial skills, relationships, and experiences important to emerging and established artists. Since 2001, Art Enables has provided artists with disabilities the creative and vocational training needed to become professional artists. Art Enables is located at 2204 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018