Indy Airport, INARF, Ability Indiana Honor Local Artists with Disabilities March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

INDIANAPOLIS (March 29, 2023) -- The Indianapolis Airport Authority, the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Ability Indiana and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch came together today at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to unveil an exhibit of more than 20 art pieces, including paintings, ceramics and mixed media, created by adults with disabilities. The event emphasized and celebrated diverse artists and creatives in Indiana – which includes Hoosiers with physical and intellectual disabilities.

“I want to congratulate all the artists who have their creative work on display here, and I want to commend the Indianapolis Airport Authority for providing the stage on which these artists can showcase their art,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “As chair of the Indiana Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Task Force, I am reminded all too often of the challenges and obstacles these Hoosiers face. Each artist should be very proud today!”

The exhibit is part of the Indy airport’s arts and culture program that supports an environment where art and culture thrive and features permanent and temporary art collections displayed in both public and post-security areas throughout the airport. Many of the collections were created by artists who live in Indiana or have ties to the Hoosier state.

“The Indy airport is the community’s airport, and this event emphasizes the importance of including adults with disabilities in all areas of our community life – including employment and public art,” said Mario Rodriguez, IAA executive director.

The exhibit includes 22 art pieces from local artists within INARF member organizations, Arc of Greater Boone County, Easterseals Crossroads, New Hope of Indiana, Inc., Putnam County Comprehensive Services and Wabash Center.

Artists featured include:

• Jason Chang
• Dorian Daniels
• Rachel Henthorne
• Matthew Hovey
• Kathryn Hunter
• Marlian Johnson
• Monica Johnson
• Michelle Jones
• Hikaru Kikuchi
• Eric LaMar
• Dale Luttrell
• Rita Makiejus
• Jai Mathew
• Adam Miller
• Nicole Mohs
• Brooke Moore
• Joe O’Conner
• Kole Oesch
• Emily Parker
• Nellie Park
• Darren Puzzello
• Tosha Ramsey
• Elizabeth Rogers
• Paige Rogers
• Bill Samarus
• Amy Sendek
• Kristina Steigerwald
• Josh Stone
• Mark Vanderhoff
• Mary Ward
• Walther Wathen

INARF, established in 1974, champions support for more than 70 member organizations who provide services for over 50,000 citizens in Indiana annually and employs more than 15,000 workers creating quality programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. INARF is committed to strengthening the system of services and supports for Hoosiers with disabilities.

The Ability Indiana Program creates a partnership among the public and private sectors to enhance employment and training opportunities for Indiana's citizens with disabilities. This coordinated effort provides an opportunity for individuals to achieve greater self-worth and esteem, improved economic independence and social inclusion, while the state realizes a savings through its investment in its citizenry.

“INARF and Ability Indiana are very excited to collaborate with such an esteemed partner in the Indianapolis Airport Authority to showcase the incredible talent of our Artisans,” said Katy Stafford-Cunningham, interim president and chief executive officer of Ability Indiana/INARF. “We are thrilled that passengers traveling through the airport will get to see the creativity our Artists offer and to learn about the contributions people with disabilities make every day to enhance our community.”

To learn more about the Indy airport’s arts and culture program, visit IND.com/PublicArt.