Creative Access

The Bechtler provides museum tours along with creative programming to adults with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities based on current exhibitions. Programming takes place throughout the year, giving participants the opportunity to come uptown and explore the museum, enjoy the art, and be creative together. Our program partner, InReach, is a leader in providing housing, jobs, and community support to adults with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and surrounding counties.

Programming for the 2021 – 2022 fiscal year will be lead by art therapist Amy Seitlin. These programs will not serve as therapy sessions, rather they will provide participants an opportunity to engage with Bechtler exhibitions that is grounded in theory, has a methodology of intention, and therapeutic benefits. Partnering with an art therapist will ensure the museum is an accessible and inclusive space for emotional learning, social connection, and community support. Art therapy emphasizes that art making serves as an expressive outlet, both in the physical process of creating art and in the context of its use as a non-verbal mode of communication. Programming for the 2021 – 2022 fiscal year will explore Bechtler exhibitions including Isaac Julien: Lina Bo Bardi – A Marvellous Entanglement, where participants will view the film installation and participate in Afro-Brazilian movement and percussion. Participants will also view The Bechtler Collection, Jean Tinguely: A Life in Motion and Annemarie Schwarzenbach: Departure without Destination and work with Amy Seitlin to create a variety of artworks in response to the exhibitions.