Art connects Morrisville students with photo students from The Arc of Madison Cortland during National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

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MORRISVILLE, NY— In celebration of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, Morrisville State College and The Arc of Madison Cortland are collaborating on an exhibit, “Through Our Eyes,” which is on display now through March 31 in the college’s Donald Butcher Library.

The display highlights the work of photography students from The Arc of Madison Cortland, whose work was chosen by student jurors in MSC art instructor Leigh Yardley’s Introduction to Visual Arts class. 

Both the students and the jurors shared their impressions about the photos. According to Jim Cooke, photography instructor at The Arc of Madison Cortland, the sharing of impressions helps to promote and foster both understanding and inclusion for all student participants. 

Jessica Bero, whose work is featured in the show, has taken classes with Cooke for eight years. She especially likes her New York City collection “because the pictures are like a story,” she explained. 

“In addition to National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the exhibit also celebrates the college’s rich diversity and continued effort to present artists with unique life experiences,” said Tim Gerken, associate professor of humanities, who also coordinates and directs the Butcher Library Gallery Art Shows. 

Students from The Arc and MSC will have the opportunity to meet and share ideas during a reception on March 30 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the college’s library. Refreshments will be served. 

The work of the following Arc photography students is on display in the exhibit: Aeryn Mitchell, Patty Vanderpool, Jessica Bero, Cri'stiana Scalzo, and Jenny Dunlop.

Morrisville State College’s curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs. 

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2016 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2016 Best Colleges rankings.