Disabled artists get chance to share nature's beauty in LA City Hall exhibition
The 19th Annual Disability Art Exhibition opened its doors in the historic halls of Los Angeles City Hall, showcasing a vibrant collection of works that explore personal connections to the natural world. Dozens of visitors gathered to celebrate artists who navigate disability with creativity, turning the civic space into a gallery of resilience and beauty.
Akiko Tagawa, president of the LA City Commission on Disability, described the event as a heartfelt step toward inclusion, noting how the venue underscores the importance of empowering young artists with disabilities. The exhibition’s setting, she said, makes the celebration feel “tremendous” in the heart of city governance.
Among the honorees were five winners of the KASEC Dream Art Contest, a program run by the Korean American Special Education Center since 2018 that encourages people with developmental disabilities to express unique perspectives. Rosa Chang, executive director of KASEC, highlighted how the varied colors and styles on display enrich the community, inviting diverse audiences to appreciate the work.
Artist Aaron Shim expressed his gratitude for the visibility, noting that seeing his paintings in such a prominent public space allows others to truly see the depth of his vision. The exhibition stands as a testament to the power of art to bridge differences and celebrate the natural world through inclusive lenses.