I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for.  ~Georgia O'Keeffe
 

Art is a means to explore and articulate ideas in creative ways. It was this sentiment that led to the development of Gallery YAI - a group of people with intellectual disabilities who have a profound interest in painting, drawing, photography, and other artistic means of expression.
 

When an art program at YAI was recently cut during a challenging economic environment, the artists – who all receive services from YAI - responded to the challenge by creating a portfolio of limited edition prints, fittingly entitled “The Hope Collection.”

This beautiful and diverse collection of art includes 10 prints from six different artists. PNC Bank recently displayed The Hope Collection at their 32nd Street midtown-Manhattan location. PNC Bank patrons were able to view the beautiful collection and had the opportunity to meet with three of the artists. Paul, Jerry, and Malvin, who all live in YAI-supported living apartments in Brooklyn, attended the gallery and each proudly spoke about their pieces on display.
 

Jerry, who has been taking photos since 2003, pointed out his love of taking color photos using a Kodak digital camera. He enjoys capturing moments with his camera and said that it is also a great way to earn money. Jerry had a successful showing at the gallery – 2 patrons purchased his photographs!
 
Demonstrating the diversity of mediums represented in the collection, Malvin shared with gallery viewers his talent for drawing and creating collages. “This collage,” said Malvin, pointing to one of his own works, “took me over a month to make. It’s a design made out of different pictures that I drew and then I cut them up and glued them back together. I think abstract art [like this piece] is more difficult but I like to do things that are challenging.”
 

John Veenema, Assistant Supervisor of YAI’s Supported Living Program, has worked at YAI for almost 15 years and has been running art classes at the Supported Living apartments for 2 ½ years. “We meet once a week and talk about technique and just have fun with it,” said John. “Realizing their own talent is a huge benefit for any of the guys who paint or draw. It’s an activity that they all enjoy and the beautiful end product is a benefit in itself.”
 
“I’ve been doing paintings for a long time,” said Paul as he pointed to a brightly colored and detailed watercolor painting of a vase of flowers. “This one is my favorite because I love all of the different colors.”
 
For Paul, painting is more than just a fun activity – it is something he does as a tribute to his brother.
 

“My older brother was a wonderful painter,” Paul shared. “I started painting after he died because it was a good way to remember him. John teaches me about painting every week and my brother used to also tell me about painting.”
 

With a smile on his face and a tear in his eye, Paul continued: “I have one of his paintings hanging in my living room. I like to look at it every day to remember him and then I like to paint my own.”
 
Turning to Paul, John added: “You have such a nice light touch with the brush, Paul. I know that your brother would be so proud of you and of your work.”
 
The Hope Collection includes 10 prints, each of which is numbered and signed by the artist. Only 25 copies of each print will be created for this limited edition collection. Funds raised from The Hope Collection will provide art supplies and lessons as well as opportunities for this talented group of artists to raise awareness through their work. It will also assist in restoring art therapy programs for people with disabilities served by the YAI Network. Gallery YAI artists will receive 60 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the portfolio