unique - Arise

UNIQUEFrom Elizabeth L. DunnUNIQUE Managing EditorEach year, it is a pleasure to welcome back previous artists andto meet new artists as they submit their work for consideration.We discover and re-discover the stories the artists tell aboutthemselves and their artwork, and watch their talent evolve. Itis truly a joy to work with the individuals on the Editorial Board,whose difficult task is selecting the pieces that will be included inthe magazine.This year proved more difficult than ever, with more than 100individuals or groups submitting visual and literary work. Thecreativity and talent displayed was amazing, and there weremany pieces we wish we could have included. In addition to thework published in these pages, at the end of the magazine, werecognize the individuals who received an Honorable Mention.We are honored to present this extraordinary body of work,and thank all of the artists who submitted work. We also wantto express our gratitude to the members of the Editorial Board,our sponsors, and to all of the people who helped make thispublication possible.UNIQUE showcases the creative work of artists and writers whohappen to have a disability. These individuals also have manyabilities, including tremendous creative ones. Their work opensup a different world view for us all. Through their talent and theirartwork, they provide new perspectives on hope, inspiration, andappreciation of beauty. We think you will agree that these artistsand writers have a great deal to share with the world.About ARISEFounded in 1979, ARISE is a non-profit Center for IndependentLiving run by and for people with disabilities in Onondaga,Oswego, and Madison counties. Our mission is to work withpeople of all abilities to create a fair and just community in whicheveryone can fully participate. We are guided by the philosophythat individuals with disabilities have a right to dignity, personalresponsibility, and self-determination.ARISE serves children and adults with disabilities each yearthrough more than 50 programs and services in several broadareas including advocacy, employment, independent livingsupports, information and referral services, inclusive recreationprograms, mental health services, and peer counseling. Someservices vary by county and some are available in additionalcounties in Central and Northern New York.UNIQUE, an art and literary magazine, is one of the manyprograms coordinated by ARISE. Published annually, UNIQUEgives voice to individuals with disabilities, increases communityawareness of the creative abilities of individuals with disabilities,and broadens communities of artists to those of differing abilities.ARISE is a United Way agency.iv