Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Roberta’s Art Gallery at UW-Whitewater.
Engage with the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “The World of AAC” by UW-Whitewater alum and artist Anastasia (Stasia) Wilson. This exhibit showcases paintings of Wilson’s communication device icons that she sees and selects with her eyes for communication due to her experience with cerebral palsy. She wants to open the broader public to the world of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). After much consideration and planning, Wilson has created a painting of each icon on her communication device, equating to 144 individual paintings. Her artwork will be showcased starting on Tuesday, May 28.
“I was talking with my art mentor about my struggle to make art about my disabilities, and he encouraged me to start right away by painting my assistive technology. I began with a couple of paintings of my hand braces. Then, one day, I was thinking about what to paint next. I asked myself, ‘Girl, what is in front of your face almost 24/7?” says Wilson. In addition to the 144 icon paintings, Wilson’s four-piece Emotions series will be displayed. These pieces, completed in 2005, are part of the Crossman Gallery’s permanent artwork collection. “As an adult, I am so appreciative of this device that gives me my voice. By creating this piece, I will introduce the broader public to the world of AAC. I want to show other people who use AAC that they aren’t alone and provide some support on their journey to accept their augmented voice,” says Wilson.
Anastasia Wilson is the founder of HeadStrong Art. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a minor in English from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Wilson uses specially crafted headgear to hold the paintbrush as she paints because her head has more mobility and control than her hands. Wilson has exhibited previously at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Inspiring Hope Ministries, and is currently collaborating with the Wisconsin-based Chatter Matters overnight camp for AAC users and their families for this exhibit. The open house reception will take place on June 20, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., is open to the public and will include light refreshments.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists to coordinate and sponsor exhibits. The gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, with extended hours to 4:30 p.m. during SOAR orientation days on May 29 and 31, along with June 4, 10, 12, 14, 18, and 20. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag for updates on exhibits. Anyone interested in learning more about Wilson and her artwork should check out Headstrong Art on Facebook. For more information on Chatter Matters Camp, visit: /www.uww.edu/ce/camps/additional/chatter.
