The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is annually observed on December 3 to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development. To mark this important day, the American Center in Moscow is hosting a virtual talk with Patty Mitchell, Executive Director and Founder of ’Passion Works’ inclusive art studio.

Patty Mitchell is an artist and social entrepreneur specializing in collaborations between artists with and without developmental differences. Her dream is to turn sheltered workshops/day programs into creative art making spaces. Working through the art process, participant’s talents and passions become visible and the core of program design. Creativity and enthusiasm are the tools for developing a new culture and lifting expectations for what is possible. Sewing, painting, photography, sculpture, giant puppetry, repurposed materials, and innovative approaches manifest as on site-specific public artworks. These spectacular installations leave no doubt as to the individual genius of the artists, encourage conversation, connection, and cultural development for the larger community. Product lines designed through the artwork create employment options and funding streams for continued arts programming.

Mitchell founded Passion Works Studio in Athens (1998), Ohio and designed the studio’s signature product “The Passion Flower”. The flower is made of recycled printing plates painted and decorated in bright, bold colors by Passion Works Core Artists. To date the studio has sold over 30,000 Passion Flowers, they are “The Official Flower of Athens, Ohio”. As an artist in residence, Patty Mitchell has helped organizations nationally and internationally start up arts programming ventures. Ms. Mitchell is Executive Director of Passion Works Studio and CEO of Creative Abundance Consulting, she received her BFA and MFA from Ohio University.

Moderated by Anna Kibenko, Fulbright alumna, a passionate inclusion researcher and activist, who recently launched her virtual project "Inclusion Lab" — connecting people committed to building inclusive communities. 

To join the livestream on December 2 at 16:00 MSK please follow the link to the AMC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/acmoscow/. Please register below and leave your valid email address to receive a reminder 30 minutes before the online event starts. To join other AMC Online programs, please check the American Center’s website and TimePad calendars.

#IDPD #inclusion #art