Meet our first artoberVA 2022 Spotlight, Milk River Arts! Since 2015, Milk River Arts has provided a space dedicated to the freedom of self-expression and professional creative opportunities for adult artists with disabilities in Richmond, VA. Through mentorship and inclusive resources, Milk River Arts represents the shared values of artoberVA in its celebration of accessible arts.

Read ahead for MRA Mentor, Abernathy’s words:

CultureWorks: Who are you and what’s your story?

Abernathy Bland: Hi, I’m Abernathy Bland. I am an artist in Richmond. I create in different ways (design, writing, painting, illustration) and I teach and work with different organizations. I care greatly about storytelling and connection. I am often in inclusive spaces because I believe in inclusion, and I believe in (and love) the people and students I work with. I also work as an ASL Interpreter.  I am always game to talk about inclusion and the arts, and I am specifically a big fan of our artists at Milk River Arts (MRA).

At MRA, I am an artist mentor and I have been along for the ride since Sally Kemp was dreaming about this studio. We both share the belief that inclusive spaces are a gift. We knew this about each other when we teamed up on a workshop for young children with disabilities. We sat on a floor inside of a fort we were building with these students talking about their, and our, future. I was working in the disability community in different capacities, and Sally was exploring how to make a professional studio she knew she could start here in Richmond. She was on the way to launching MRA, and I have been her “yes and” teammate along the way.  The neat thing is that all of the artist mentors at MRA lead the charge for different projects and tasks as they arise. It is a very organic studio, and, the team is very good at following the wind.

CW: Tell me a bit about Milk River Arts! What is it & how does it fill a space in Richmond for the arts? 

AB: Milk River Arts is a studio in Richmond, Virginia that promotes the professional practice of adult artists with disabilities. We know there is a space in the professional art world for artists with disabilities. The world itself is a very diverse place and artistic expression captures that diversity. Therefore, we believe that the work of our artists is important and necessary as we elevate contemporary voices.

MRA provides a safe space for artists to truly be themselves. We focus on celebrating and encouraging the work that an artist is passionate about already. We pair an MRA artist with a professional artist in the community who they meet with at least once a week while developing a richer practice. Our artists are working when they come to the studio. Yes, they are learning, because that is unavoidable, but this is their job and they are guiding us to where they are headed. As a mentor, it is our job to observe and get excited about supporting the artists’ work. I am focused on the direction of the artists’ work and what I can do to make it happen.

Working together encourages the crossover of ideas and knowledge. There are moments of teaching that occur in response to the work the artists make. When I think of a technique or material that may help an artist I am working with, I introduce it and make sure the artist has the knowledge to make their own decision about using it. I always describe my job as giving the artists more tools for their backpack, so they can pull whatever they want from it at any time. Historically, people with disabilities did not always have the same choices as people without disabilities. We will always educate our artists when needed and provide what we think our artists should have access to. It is a dance between guiding and letting go.

CW: How have you felt Milk River Arts form connections amongst Richmond’s neuro-diverse artistic community over the years? What has been a favorite moment in your experience?

AB: Milk River Arts forms connections across the community through our presence. We are not in a little space to ourselves. We work in tandem with galleries and studios like 1708, Quirk, Studio Two Three, and The Highpoint. We parade annually for Validation Day (our Valentine’s celebration) down public streets. We participate in public art events at the VMFA and InLight. Simply by taking up space in the creative community, we are forming connections across neuro-diversity. While there are inclusive programs for creative learning and exploring, we are providing a professional opportunity for adults who are already artists in their own right.

The work that these artists are creating extends the dialogue past just meeting our artists (which is great) and into a bigger conversation. The work itself widens the reach of these artists’ voices.

CW: Have you collaborated with any artists/spaces/organizations recently that were meaningful for you?

AB: MRA mentor, Hayden Ireland, and MRA artist, Lewis Woodhead are a team. I have been working specifically with MRA artist Andrea Budu-inspire. Recently, Lewis and Andrea had a show at The Highpoint here in Richmond. Collaborating with this space was magical. We were able to illustrate the artists’ work in large scale directly on the walls and hang a professional show all in their main gallery. This was extremely meaningful as we got to combine these two artists in one show together. In a hard season where the world is experiencing war, discrimination, and a long-lasting pandemic, these two artists had a show about friends and joy. It was not without a richness either. The authenticity of our artists is why the work is rich. It comes from a real and true place within. Our artists are born artists. MRA supports them in what they are brilliantly doing on their own.

Art is wonderful, and it cannot exist in a vacuum alone. MRA allows for the artists’ work to grow during their studio time together and to take up space in the professional world. Without our community collaborations, we would be in a vacuum and that is the exact situation we are fighting against. We consider it our job to run down the streets showing everyone how amazing this work is. But, because we feel it has deep value, we want to make sure the work has a sacred space among other valued art.

CW: How can adult artists with disabilities get involved with Milk River Arts?

AB: MRA has community projects often. Our Instagram stays current and talks about our upcoming projects. We love to include anyone in the community when we have collaborative work. Contacting Milk River by email is also a great way to connect and get on our list of friends who we can reach out to when we have shows, events, or projects! As far as becoming an MRA artist, contacting us on Instagram, our website, or through email is step one. We like to meet the artist and see the work that they do. MRA is for the adult artist with disabilities who is passionately making work on their own and who we can support in their pursuit of a professional practice. It is important to find out if MRA is a good fit for the artist, as well. No matter what the doors are open for community visits and collaborations.

CW: What feeds your creativity when you are not actively involved with Milk River Arts? How do you overcome artistic blocks?

AB: I always tell my students and my artist friends at Milk River that sometimes you have to just make things even when you’re in a block. That means moving your brush around or making marks for the sake of thinking as you do it. Sometimes this activity turns into something that would never have happened if you stayed comfortable inside your head. I stay inspired because I stay in community with authentic people who make my life rich. I soak up stories from others and stay connected. And, I go see shows, read books, watch movies, and let art keep me lifted up in those moments until I realize I have something to say. I also talk to Andrea who encourages me.

CW: What does artoberVA mean to you? Why do arts & culture matter?

artoberVA is a celebration. Arts and culture matter because they are where we can safely explore hard feelings. There are ways to have disagreements and discourse that are not centered around violence or ignorance. Arts and culture both teach us about one another. They humanize concepts that feel frightening or distant so that we can address them in very real ways. Connecting is probably the greatest thing we can do. Because connection is the way to understanding.

To learn more about Milk River Arts: https://www.milkriverarts.org/
To keep up with Milk River Arts: https://www.instagram.com/milkriverarts/