Make Studio is excited to bring back Cordially Invited, our invitational exhibition and showcase of artists working at progressive studios around the world.

This year's celebration, like everything else, is a bit different. It centers on a hybrid exhibition. While the entire exhibition is online, a feature showcase —including recent works from Make Studio artists and guests from Art Enables (DC), Creativity Explored (CA), and Studio 57 (RI) — is on view in our physical gallery. In total, exhibiting artists this year come from 18 studios.

As a reminder, Make Studio is one of just several dozen "progressive art studios" (also known as "art centers for persons with disabilities") in operation in the world. The reason we celebrate progressive studios each year is simple. Every day, as one ourselves, we witness their importance as both workplaces and as “artistic homeplaces” for member artists and local communities. Moreover, as progressive practices in disability support systems have begun to proliferate worldwide, their unique impact as creative cultural institutions in contemporary art contexts is ever clearer. In 2020, during this challenging moment that is taking a disproportionate toll on the disabilities community, progressive studios around the world have been adapting to the pandemic and providing vital connection, expressive outlets, and income opportunities for their artists, even when their physical studios are closed.

Cordially Invited III is a recognition of the diverse, beautiful, and thought-provoking art created by disabled artists/artists with disabilities, as well as the ongoing work of progressive studios to champion these artists even during turbulent times.