The Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibit Constantly Becoming, generously sponsored by Cary Street Partners. This exhibit, opening October 1 and running through December 2018, highlights the accomplishments and works of local artist, Sophia Pineda. Sophia, a 14-year-old with a passion for art, dancing, music, family, and friends, has the natural spirit most people strive to possess. Sophia also has Down Syndrome. Constantly Becoming will not only showcase the artistic talents of Sophia, but also educate the community about Down Syndrome and the resources available in our area. FAM will host a set of FREE corresponding programs that celebrate the true gift of the human spirit and the potential of people with disabilities. Most of these programs will happen in October, Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM), and include:
- First Friday: Meet the Artist (October 5, 5pm – 8pm): Attend the opening reception of Constantly Becoming. Between 5:30pm and 7pm, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Sophia Pineda, the artist behind the exhibition.
- Film Screening: Intelligent Lives (October 5, 7pm – 9pm): Come and see Dan Habib’s newest documentary that tells the story of three young adults with intellectual disabilities. RSVPs are highly recommended as seating is limited. To RSVP, please contact Theresa Cramer, [email protected] or 540-371-3037, ext. 138.
- Second Saturday: So So Sophiola (October 13, 11am – 12pm): Families and children of all ages are invited to learn about Sophia and her art, become inspired, and create their own colorful masterpiece
- Evening with an Expert: Mary Ford, From Isolation to Inclusion: Families Living with Intellectual Disability (November 15): Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have always been part of our communities. Please join us for a brief history of how early programs intended to educate and train individuals with IDD had the unintended consequence of isolating them from their families and communities. This knowledge provides the framework for understanding why today’s programs and services focus on inclusion, on reintegrating people with IDD into our schools, neighborhoods, faith communities and increasingly into the workplace.
- Film Screening: Mr. Connolly Has ALS (December 13, 7pm – 9pm): View Dan Habib’s documentary that tells what it is like to acquire a disability through the eyes of Gene Connolly, a high school principal who was diagnosed with ALS. RSVPs are highly recommended as seating is limited. To RSVP, please contact Theresa Cramer, [email protected] or 540-371-3037, ext. 138.
For more information on this exhibition, or for additional programming information, please either contact the Museum at 540-371-3037, or visit us at www.famcc.org. The FAM collects, researches, interprets, teaches, and preserves the history, heritage, and culture of the Fredericksburg region. We serve a diverse community through a commitment to inclusion, integrity, credibility, and relevance. We will facilitate an understanding and appreciation of how the acts of those who preceded us have shaped this community and the nation at large—providing both lessons and inspiration as we work together to forge a greater community.
