What is Disability? Mural Project

What is Disability?  Mural Project 
November 6 – Feb 28, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 6th, 5-7PM
Weaver Lobby Gallery and McIlrath Landing Gallery

The Disability Mural Project is a collective artwork made up of individual paintings created by people with disabilities, their caregivers and family members, and created during workshops facilitated by artist Bridget Riversmith. who directed a 2011 project in Duluth, MN with the Arrowhead Alliance of Artists with Disabilities. The mural, composed of individual 12” x 12” tiles, puts a spotlight on the artistic voices of those living with disability and invites observers to consider their unique perspectives and experiences through art. 

What is Disability? Where is Disability?
Do you find it in the person using a wheelchair or in the stairs that could be a ramp instead? Is it in the neurodivergent person on the autism spectrum, or in the built and social environment designed to fit those who are neurotypical? 35 years ago, the Americans With Disabilities Act was signed into law to address questions like these to remove barriers to full inclusion for people experiencing disability. For this celebratory exhibit, those with lived experience were asked to reflect on these questions and they responded with this luminous patchwork of emotions, visions, memories, and insights. We invite you to join in the conversation...Speak with your art!

Local Organizations involved:
Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake
Hope Haven
Horizons Unlimited
Individuals from the Community
Lakes Life Skills
Ruthven United Methodist Church
Stonebridge Assisted Living of Milford
The Summit, Village Northwest Unlimited
The Villa

This mural continues grow. Not all individuals may be listed.
We invite you or someone you know to become part of this project.
Contact education@lakesart.org for additional information.