Ken and Pat Baur, owners of Framing Concepts Gallery,
have received the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities’ (INARF) Partnership Award, an annual honor given to a person or organization that has made significant contributions to improve the lives of people with disabilities and the agencies that serve them.
The award was presented in Indianapolis on March 10 during the 2010 INARF Annual Conference for Indiana professionals serving persons with disabilities. The award presentation coincides with Disability Awareness Month in Indiana.
The Baurs were nominated for this award by Opportunity Enterprises, a Valparaiso organization that has been working with people with disabilities and their communities since 1967. Framing Concepts Gallery and Opportunity Enterprises have partnered to hold an annual art show of paintings by artists with disabilities. The ARTability Show and Sale is held in November to showcase the talents of participants in Opportunity Enterprises Art Enrichment Program and raises funds to support programs for people with disabilities.
In addition to donating the gallery space for the art show, Framing Concepts Gallery works with local restaurants to receive donated wine and hors d’oeuvres for the event, negotiates lower prices for supplies and materials, and provides technical guidance to the program.
The partnership between Opportunity Enterprises and Framing Concepts Gallery has allowed the ARTability Show and Sale to grow every year. Over 250 people attended the 2009 show, purchasing 43 pieces of art and raising over $10,000 for the Art Enrichment Program.
Opportunity Enterprises is a not-for-profit organization that creates sustainable life choices for individuals with challenges and disabilities. Since 1967, OE has provided quality employment, enrichment, and residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities. More than 1,000 children and adults throughout Northwest Indiana receive services on an annual basis.