Fredonia Technology Incubator will be hosting the Aspire Arts for Inclusion Workshop Friday.

Aspire of WNY art instructors Heath Bartle and Alex Glenfield will present the artistic, musical, literary, and cinematic creations of the individuals with disabilities they serve. Discussions will include the benefits of the arts with special emphasis on community building, arguing that the arts may be one of the best ways to increase that sense of “belonging.” The second portion of the presentation will focus on Spirit Gallery.

The Spirit Gallery is a new and innovative project which will integrate the art community of Western New York with the iXpress art community comprised of artists with various developmental disabilities. The Spirit Gallery will be a creative space for local artists to share their talents while becoming mentors to the iXpress artists. They envision a fully functioning gallery, onsite artist’s studios as well as a gift shop of handmade artisan goods. This gallery will also house a day service program that will act as a learning center where the participants develop the skills to operate and take ownership in the success of the Spirit Gallery. This event is free and open to the public.

The workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at 214 Central Ave. Dunkirk NY 14048. This is a free and open event to the public. Registration link https://artsforinclusionfti.eventbrite.com is listed on the FTI Homepage and Facebook page. A tour of the Aspire collection on display in the FTI Art Gallery will be a part of the seminar. Aug. 31 is the last day to see the show.

Aspire of WNY is an organization that helps people in Western New York who have developmental disabilities. Their services include employment training, transition training, and community/social involvement. Website: https://www.aspirewny.org/

The Fredonia Technology Incubator promotes economic growth in Western New York by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of new, innovative companies into successful business ventures. The incubator provides administrative and business services, mentoring, networking, professional consulting, educational opportunities, and access to capital and work ready space. The Incubator is part of Fredonia’s Division of Advancement, Engagement and Economic Development (AEED) facilitates and supports university-community collaborations, and oversees the university’s StartUp NY economic development program.