September 3, 2008

• Artists with disabilities showcased

• Patient Portrait Gallery unveiled

• Spain Rehab's permanent collection on display

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Rehabilitation and art go hand-in-hand, say officials with UAB's (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Spain Rehabilitation Center (SRC). To celebrate the effect of art on rehab patients - and rehab patients' contributions to the world of art - the Women's Committee of Spain Rehabilitation Center presents The Art of Rehabilitation, a one-day showing of works for and by adults with disabilities.

The Art of Rehabilitation is from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept 21 at Spain Rehabilitation Center, 1717 6th Ave. S.  Works of several Alabama artists with disabilities will be displayed.

"Art works in the rehabilitation field on several levels," said Amie Jackson, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. "The physical act of drawing or painting can have therapeutic effect, and the creation of art gives some patients an opportunity to express themselves in ways not available to them prior to their injury or disability. The simple presence of artworks within the facility helps provide a healing environment at the SRC."

Two Alabama artists with disabilities, Jeremy Baxter and Trisston Wright, will have works in the show. Baxter and Wright are affiliated with VSA Arts of Alabama, a non-profit organization providing opportunities in the arts for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

In addition to the show, self-guided walking tours will take visitors on a tour of 49 of the SRC's permanent collection of art. The collection, which was begun in 1971, is a vivid statement on the benefit of art in therapy.

UAB's new Patient Portrait Gallery will also be on unveiled. The collection contains 26 photographs of past patients of Spain Rehabilitation Center.