Throwing yourself into a devastatingly challenging and unforgiving field is one thing. Doing that with a disability is another. Now enter Collaborative Employment Innovations (CEI) Artworks, enabling disabled artists to get their foot in the door.
Not your ordinary Corvallis employment agency, CEI is committed to finding gigs for challenged and disabled aspiring artists. Leaders from CEI will be part of a talk hosted by City Club of Corvallis on Monday, March 14. According to the press release, the forum “examines research, technology and innovation at the nexus of commercial reality meeting human frailty—and just what it takes to be successful, disabled or not.”
Panelists include Bruce Burris, a director at CEI and nationwide leader in the field of arts and disability for over 35 years, as well as Robin de La Mora, Chief Executive Officer for the Collaborative and a certified employment support professional with 20 years experience. Patrick Hackleman will also be in attendance. Hackleman is a Corvallis artist with autism currently exhibiting locally and in New York, whose work has captured the attention of galleries nationwide.
The talk will be held Monday, March 14 at noon at the Boys & Girls Club gymnasium, 1112 NW Circle Boulevard. The meeting is free and open to the public. A catered lunch is available for $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
By Rob Goffins
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