Exhibition

The exhibition EVERY body, EVERY mind: Honoring the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act serves as a reflection point for viewers to consider the country's progress in creating greater accessibility as well as to understand societal barriers that still exist. Signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) codified the efforts of years of civil rights activists. After reversing the centuries-long history of exclusion, shifting public policy in 1973, and ultimately changing legislation, advocates continue to fight for greater visibility and accessibility to create a more just and inclusive society for every body and every mind.

The Hofstra University Archives provides documents and photographs of the vital connections between University leadership, educational visionaries, and political figures who activated change both on campus and, in turn, on a national level. Museum guests are introduced to powerhouse figures such as Dr. Harold Yuker, Dr. Henry Viscardi Jr., and Paul Hearne, among others. Artwork from the Museum's permanent collection, murals by artist Brian Farrell and students from the Henry Viscardi School at The Henry Viscardi Center, and works by contemporary artists Laura Nugent-Carter, Heidi Latsky, Finnegan Shannon, Jennifer White-Johnson, and Samantha Yergo explore themes of accessibility, representation, and inclusion. Their work brings us to the present and highlights how the creative process, art, and artists continue the great work that began decades earlier. Together, they honor the unique beauty of each individual and address leadership and advocacy, legislation, educational models, medical and institutional obstacles, and the role art can play in creating holistic experiences for all.

The Hofstra University Museum of Art gratefully acknowledges Dan Bastian, vice president and co-founder of Progressive Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc., for his generous financial support of the exhibition.

The Hofstra University Museum of Art’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council for the Arts with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Image

Inna Malinovaya (Lurye)
(Russian, born 1994)
Donald Lee, undated
Archival inkjet print
16 x 20 in.
Courtesy of Heidi Latsky Dance Inc.