Santa Barbara Art Works studio gallery provides an opportunity for 20 local artists with developmental disabilities to show and sell their work, learn how to run a retail business, and earn a meaningful income.

Due to the global pandemic, however, the gallery has been closed since March 13, forcing the cancellation of all in-person studio classes and participation in community exhibitions. Returning to business as usual will take a long time, and any revenue-generating opportunities for the gallery may take months to resume.

To keep its students engaged and programs viable, Santa Barbara Art Works quickly modified its service model so arts instructors could safely teach drawing, painting and watercolor classes to its 20 students with disabilities in a virtual format.

Now, to get sales going again, the community is invited to shop for artwork at Juxtapose, the Santa Barbara Art Works’ Virtual Arts Exhibition, Oct. 1-22. The show features abstract works of art focused on the principles and elements of design with contemporary pieces created using juxtaposed patterns, contrasting lines, shapes and textures.

View Juxtapose at http://www.sbartworks.org/shop. Original artwork is available in several mediums including printmaking, acrylic on canvas, and watercolor, and is available for local residents to pick-up at 28 E. Victoria St.

Proceeds from the online sales support the gallery’s COVID-19 response fund, which helps sustain art supplies for remote art classes, as well as provide an income to the practicing artists.

“COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on all of our lives, but it has especially impacted our community members with developmental disabilities who are isolated in their homes, waiting for an opportunity to return to their regular lives,” said UCP WORK, Inc. executive director Judy Linares.

“Our priorities right now are to provide full accessibility to remote learning, art education, and sustain opportunities for our participants to earn an income,” she said.

“Students in our program created art together for years before COVID-19, so it’s important that we build a sense of normalcy for them while sheltering at home, and continue to help them make and sell their art,” said Jacob Allio, studio manager.

Santa Barbara Art Works advocates for inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities. The studio also specializes in providing 3D-printed adaptive art techniques and art workshops for children with disabilities. Santa Barbara Art Works is under the family of services of UCP WORK, Inc.

To learn more, visit http://www.sbartworks.org.