Pictured, from left, rua’s Scott Holladay and Local Artist Tim Young.

WARSAW — The “By Their Hands” reception and exhibit was held Friday, March 22, in the gallery at rua, 108 E. Market St., Warsaw. The art exhibit featured works by artists of RedBird Art Studio, a program provided by Cardinal Services.

The RedBird artists are all clients of Cardinal Services, located in Warsaw,  an organization that assists and advocates for people with disabilities.  The RedBird Art Studio provides artists with a chance to earn an income and a forum for artistic expression.  

The Redbird Art Studio opened in April 2016. At that time, the studio was a single classroom. According to Michelle Boxell, community relations director at Cardinal Services, it soon became clear that a much larger space was needed. By October 2016 the art studio was moved to its current location, an area of the building that at one time was a gymnasium.

“It’s not a class, or directed by a teacher where everyone is doing the same thing,” said Boxell. “People come and go throughout the day and work on their own pieces.”

Contemporary Artist Tim Young, Warsaw, is Redbird Art Studio’s artist in resident/curator/developmental services provider. Young said he was approached by Cardinal Services to review works, mentor and share technical advice.

“It’s uncanny how these pieces they’re creating are similar to pieces that modernists in earlier times were creating,” said Young. “While the works themselves are visually stimulating and fascinating, what bowled me over were the visual similarities to past art movements and artists. What’s so intriguing is that the works by the Redbird artists aren’t copies or studies of these artists. They have no idea who those artists were.”

Rua’s Scott Holladay said, “We’re excited to be involved with Cardinal Services in this venture. In talking with Tim (Young) initially about starting the exhibit, we thought it would be a good community event. What’s exciting about it is the way he drew the parallels with art history.”

All art displayed at the event was available for purchase to support the artists and RedBird Art Studio.