CATA Celebrates 30 Years Of Art And Inclusion

Submitted by CATA

Since 1993, Community Access to the Arts has provided life-changing arts opportunities for people with disabilities to explore new talents, tap into their potential, and share their creativity with the broader community. At CATA’s Gala & Annual Performance on Saturday, May 11, CATA supporters came together to celebrate 30 years of art and inclusion and look ahead to CATA’s future. The annual gala is the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting year-round arts programs for more than 1,000 people with disabilities.

The CATA Gala was co-chaired by Joan and Jim Hunter, Sarah Hunter, and Liz and Mark Williams, along with Decor Chair Mitch Nash.

CATA artists Kellie Ward, Keira Nicholls, and Dan Waite perform with Shakespeare's Players in CATA's Annual Performance.

“Thirty years ago, CATA was founded by dance therapist Sandy Newman, who had a vision for a world where creativity could foster connection and art could shine a light on the talents of people with disabilities,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “Today, CATA is a leading organization at the intersection of art and disability — providing over 2,000 arts workshops annually to 1,000 people with disabilities. CATA is here, 30 years strong, because so many in our community have stood with us to say that this is the community we believe in: one rooted in inclusion— where every person is seen and valued.”

Audiences at Saturday’s gala, which took place at Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse, were treated to CATA’s joyous and heart-filling Annual Performance. Directed by CATA Program Director Kelly Galvin, the show featured powerful performances by CATA artists with disabilities: The CATA Beat drummers delivered energizing performances of traditional songs from Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Havana; dancers from CATA’s Moving Company, People’s Tap Dance Theater, and Groove Collective debuted dazzling new pieces; and actors from Shakespeare’s Players delivered a rousing recitation of Shakespearean phrases that are still used today, The Juggling Connection shared a joyful juggling routine, CATA’s stand-up comic Scott Thomas, a crowd favorite, left the crowd in tears of laughter, and The CATA Band captivated the audience in a soaring finale with original music and lyrics composed by CATA artists.

After the show, guests were dazzled by spectacular decor in the party tent — eye-popping handmade sculptures hanging from above, colorful floating lanterns, paint brush chandeliers, and larger-than-life glowing “30’s” in honor of CATA’s anniversary. They were designed by Gala Decor Chair Mitch Nash, and created by Joe Wheaton, Michael Rousseau, Jacqui Gerro, and CATA’s Gala Committee. A delicious dinner, catered by Mezze, and dance-inspired music from DJ BFG ended the evening in true CATA style.