The Warrior — Niskayuna High School newspaper

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Photographed by Matt Sesow from his press packets, October 18, 2026; text transcribed from the photos by Claude.

THE WARRIOR — Since 1974, Now Weekly
Niskayuna High School — December 5, 2003 — Volume 30, Issue 11

Nisk-Art Gallery holds unique exhibit
by Alex Rivadeneira — NEWS

Nisk-Art Gallery Club's latest show, "Selected Works from the ViewPoint Gallery Acquisitions Exhibition," is up for display in the lower F-Hall through December 12. This time the gallery features guest artists from the ViewPoint Gallery in conjunction with the Sunnyview Rehabilitation Center of Schenectady in a fascinating and inspiring investigation into a disability's effect on an individual's capacity to create art.

Established in 1998 for and by Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, the ViewPoint Gallery has worked to collect and study the work of disabled artists, sharing their findings with patients. Gallery maintainers aim to provide hope and comfort for Sunnyview's patients by displaying artwork throughout the hospital. Now the rehabilitation center also provides art classes for its tenants, and participates in state and national artistic competitions for the disabled.

The high school's own Nisk-Art Club came into contact with the ViewPoint Gallery last spring when the group presented at Proctor's Theatre. Working with ViewPoint coordinator Ruth Dealy, students from the gallery club secured a number of works, some of which are being presented in the exhibit.

All of the artists in the show are disabled in one form or another. One of the artists whose work is included in the show, Gail Nadeau, has a form of muscular dystrophy, which causes degeneration of her limbs. Nadeau was a painter before the illness weakened her hands. She has since taken up photography and uses computers to edit her work. The other featured artist, Matt Sesow, lost his left arm in a childhood accident. The incident proved especially trying for Sesow, as he had previously been left-handed. Other artists included in the exhibit include a blind photographer, a

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Exhibit showcases original artwork
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printmaker with a brain disorder and a painter with scoliosis.

Upon viewing the exhibit, sophomores Chelsea Karbocus and Rachel Goldsmith commented, ""It's inspiring to see what people can do- even with their disabilities." Scott Battiste took a particular liking to The Lady by Nadeau, calling it "beautiful." Most students found the artwork presented to be quite breathtaking, especially when taking into consideration the physical and mental limitations the creators overcame to create their masterpieces.

Both featured artists Matt Sesow and Gail Nadeau will be visiting the high school on December 12 for the exhibit's Finale Day. The artists are scheduled to give an "artist's talk" and attend advanced art studio workshops. Nadeau will be demonstrating techniques with mixed media and Sesow will be displaying his work and discussing his background as an artist. The Nisk-Art club is also sponsoring a public luncheon where the general school community can meet with the artists and enjoy refreshments.

Nisk-Art Gallery Club advisor and art teacher, Steve Honicki, said that the high school's show provides hope for students and others experiencing challenges in life similar to those of the guest artists. Observing such artistic achievements will make others think twice before saying "I can't" and giving up. In art, particularly, Honicki states that the show displays the fact that there are "no limitations in artwork" and that determined individuals can achieve their goals.

As a follow-up to the exhibition, Honicki added that his Studio in Video classes are working on a documentary concerning the effect of brain trauma on an artist's work. His students will be doing research on the brain's role in the creative process, once again acting in a partnership with the Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital.

[Photo caption:] PAINTING A PICTURE: This piece, by Matt Sesow, entitled Summertime and the Livin' Ain't Easy, was among the many featured in the Nisk Art show. — Photo Courtesy Barbara Colose