CATA Annual Gala Returns To An-Person Celebration
It’s always a joyous event, but the fact that the biggest event of the year was again in person made it even better.
Mindi Morin managing director, Canyon Ranch Lenox; Leslie Chesloff of William Pitt Sotheby's Realty; and Margaret Keller, CATA executive director.All photos by Christina Lane.
Submitted by Chris Watford Community Access to the Arts (CATA) held its Gala & Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company on May 7 and 8—a joyous event celebrating the talents of artists with disabilities. It is CATA’s biggest event of the year, raising funds to support year-round arts programs for 800 people with disabilities. “AND,” CATA’s Gala theme, “captures the endless possibility at the root of our mission,” says Margaret Keller, CATA executive director. Co-chaired by Mitch and Caitlin Nash and Eva and Kip Sheridan, the evening featured an electrifying new film directed by Ben Hillman, with stunning performances by CATA artists in dance, singing, drumming, juggling, and acting, filmed at iconic locations throughout the Berkshires—along with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the artists. The audience was also treated to surprise on-stage performances, co-directed by CATA faculty Kelly Galvin, Olivia Martin, and Stefanie Weber. For those who were unable to attend in person, CATA will hold a free Virtual Gala on Saturday, May 21 at 6 p.m. Attendees tuning in will see CATA’s new film and have the chance to support their programs. RSVP here.
CATA artists Kellie Ward and Jessica Hansen with dancer Teagan Maxymillian take a bow.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
