On March 31, 2022 the Annual CIP Student Art Show opened at the Good Purpose Gallery in Lee, Massachusetts. The Gallery, which is located in the Starving Artist Cafe at 40 Main Street was established by CIP founder, Dr. Michael McManmon in 2011. Dr. McManmon has been an artist his whole life and as such he saw the importance of the Creative Arts as a mechanism for teaching, learning, and growth for CIP students. He chose the name, “Good Purpose Gallery” - which comes from the motto, ”You were made for good purpose and inherently valuable.” - a sentiment which Dr. McManmon believes to be at the core of CIP’s programs. The Gallery’s primary mission today is to integrate young individuals with autism and other learning differences into the community, enrich their lives through Arts and creativity and also to provide a space for professional artists to share their skills and passion through exhibits and workshops.
The CIP Annual Student Art show (which coincides with Autism Acceptance Month in April) offers an opportunity for neurodiverse students from all five CIP Centers nationwide to submit their work to a Juried Art Exhibit and contest at the Gallery. This annual exhibit gives these students the experience of participating in a professional Gallery show, sharing their talents and love of Visual Arts, and expressing their unique Artistic perspective. It also serves as a way to celebrate these students as individuals and to encourage them to grow and to develop their creative interests and abilities. Lastly, the exhibit serves as a connection for all CIP Centers and their students, The Good Purpose Gallery, and the local community.
For the contest portion of this CIP annual event, three outstanding student artists will be selected as first, second, and third place winners by a panel of three jurors including Dr. McManmon. These three artists will receive prizes and be recognized for their excellent work. Judging of winning pieces is based on the artist's effort, style, and vision/originality of the piece.
Many of the student art pieces are available for sale and can be purchased by contacting Kara Demler at the Good Purpose Gallery. All proceeds from purchases of student artwork in the show goes to the student artists.
The CIP Student Art Show will be on display through June 6, 2022 and the Gallery is open weekly Thursday through Monday during breakfast and lunch hours at the Starving Artist Cafe.