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Sculpture draws attention to disability awareness

Date: 9/11/2012

By Katelyn Gendron

katelyn@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — If wheelchairs could have wings then sculptor James Kitchen's latest work has soared its way through the region finally landing at its permanent residence in Springfield last week.

Having been on display in Northampton and Greenfield, Kitchen's sculpture, which he was asked to create on behalf of Stavros Advocates for Independent Living to draw attention to disability awareness, was installed at Tower Square on Sept. 5. The 8-foot by 8-foot sculpture is made mostly from previously used wheelchairs and crutches, which have been bolted together to form giant wings.

"The wings represent the freedom that a ramp provides," Kitchen explained, noting that Stavros has built or repaired more than 500 access ramps for people with disabilities throughout the Pioneer Valley. "When I was asked to make this, it was daunting but the mission statement [drove me to finish it]. It has been an honor, a privilege and an adventure."

The ramps are built under the direction of Stavros's Home Sweet Home initiative, which not only provides ramps but durable medical equipment to allow those with disabilities safe access to their homes and communities.

"I know when people see walkers and crutches they think it's very limiting but the only limitations are in the human spirit," James Kruidenier, executive director of Stavros, said.

Kitchen hoped that this latest work, along with several others he's installed throughout Springfield, would have multiple effects: to draw attention to the resources necessary for those with disabilities; to highlight the importance of fundraising for organizations such as Stavros; and to draw attention to the arts, which, in turn, would bring addition revenue to the city.

"There's a method to my madness. I can see that success and money will be making its way downtown," Kitchen quipped.

Mayor Domenic Sarno praised Kitchen and Stavros for their partnership, delivering Kruidenier with a proclamation that declared Sept. 5 Stavros Disability Awareness Day.

"Mr. Creativity really put his heart and soul into it," Sarno said of Kitchen.

Lois Brown, director of Home Sweet Home, stated, "Everyone who sees it is taken with its use of materials and energy. We hope this creation helps people to connect with our work of promoting independence and access in our communities for persons with disabilities."

Stavros provides services to more than 6,000 people with disabilities each year, 2,000 of them in Springfield.