If you find yourself on the streets of New York this month, make it a point to swing by the Kenneth Cole store at 95 Fifth Avenue at the corner of 17th Street. Now through July 25, you'll experience CommUnity, a display of fine art works created by New York City artists with special needs. Kenneth Cole Productions has partnered with the non-profit fresh art to produce this incredible, inspiring exhibition.

At fresh art, we believe that artists with special needs should be recognized for their talent and not solely for the obstacles they face in their lives. It is our mission to introduce these artists to the greater community through fine art exhibitions and through our fine art and craft workshop program.

Our artists includes seniors; people with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities, and HIV and AIDS; and those in longterm recovery from chemical dependencies and homelessness. We work in conjunction with a number of social service agencies and community programs.

On Wednesday, June 24, Kenneth Cole Productions hosted an opening night event for the artists whose work is currently on display. More than 15 artists attended, and the night was a very special one for them.

"I think it's beautiful," said one of the artists, Tiara, when she was asked what she thought of the show. "It's an opportunity for people to get a chance to look at my work, because it is usually confined."

Another artist, Alfonso, agreed. "It's good exposure," he said. "I feel good about [the show] because it is spreading the word about outsider art, which is considered underground art."

The unique setting of the show added an interesting element to the artwork. "I feel great," the artist Julia said. "I've never had my art in a men's store. It's different, and I get to meet new people."

All of the artwork on display is for sale, so stop by and take a look!

[Image: Alfonso Fuenzalida, via fresh art]