because • not despite

BECAUSE • NOT DESPITE

Persimmon Blackbridge • Taryn Goodwin • L’Arche Comox Valley Artists

“In Western culture, disability is not accepted as a normal part of life. Society does not expect it, build around it, or embrace it within our daily lives.” *

because • not despite disrupts historical perceptions of disability as a failing and problem that requires curing, rehabilitation, or condescending charity. The works in this convergent program uphold the creative passion and artistic excellence of professional and emerging artists who identify as neuro-divergent. Their projects contribute to de-stigmatizing prevailing attitudes towards (dis)ability and raise awareness about the many ways in which difference enhances and expands collective perception and understanding of our world.

Persimmon Blackbridge’s Emma Goldman at the Frick Museum tells an important history story and, sadly, a long ongoing one that is evidenced in these times. The artist’s sculptures and text portray the flamboyant anarchist and feminist Emma Goldman’s acts of resistance to the status quo that existed in 1890s New England society. At the same time, the works critique Trump’s America and are homage to the many acts of speaking-out-against the oppression and disparities that are active today. The artist’s multi-media installation explores resistance and exposes the nuance of privilege.

Disability and Social Practice artist Taryn Goodwin (she/they) draws on social commitment, empathy, accessibility, community building, and inclusivity as artistic mediums. Goodwin’s practice deepens understanding and awareness of mutual aid, academic ableism, Disability Justice, and the Politics of Care. As a process-based residency and accumulating exhibition, The Shape of Care is an ongoing investment in access-driven, community-focused social commentary, experiential research, relational exercises and social interventions that work together to make disabling, harmful working and learning cultures visible.

NOTE: Taryn will be on site at CVAG throughout the run of the exhibition and welcomes conversation with the community and will also be providing accessible ways to engage in art making that will contribute to the overall “Shape of Care” project. For the hours Taryn will be at the gallery or for setting up an appointment with Taryn, click here.

L’Arche Comox Valley artists work together in a collective collaborative process. Participants explore different media, share knowledge that develops new skills and activates risk-taking that enables individual artists to create their own artworks. Art of Belonging is a socially radical project that enables the spirit of community and recognizes the creativity that exists in every person.

because • not despite | three videos features looping screenings of three films that augment the exhibitions Emma Goldman at the Frick Museum and Art of Belonging:

• From the Inside/OUT! (2000) directed by filmmaker Lorna Boschman. This program presents a rich tapestry of images and spoken memories, drawn from the experiences of individuals who lived in Woodlands, Tranquille, and Glendale Lodge. It is a powerful record of a unique collaboration and an essential contribution to an important chapter in Canada’s social history.
• Persimmon Blackbridge: Sculptor (2025). This film created by filmmaker Zsofin Sheehy, reflects on disability, identity, and the transformative role of art from within the intimate setting of artist Persimmon Blackbridge’s home and studio.
• Sand Spin (2024). This continuously looping time-lapse video created by emerging filmmaker Erik Hedley explores point of view, an eye on the world, and fascination with change over time.

Preparing the convergent program because • not despite has been an opportunity for artists and the culture of the “white cube” to come together. Together, we have adopted new accessibility practices, disrupted prevailing standards of presentation, honoured what is possible, and made room for new forms of expression to erupt. These changes have been coined as “cripping the arts” …and it is a good thing.

“Working together and learning from each other has an important and transformative effect, helping each one of us to become more fully human.” **

* Persimmon Blackbridge, 2025.
** Art of Belonging, project collective statement.

– curatorial comments by Denise Lawson

Art Opening with Artists Talks: Persimmon Blackbridge + Erik Hedley
1:00pm on Saturday, June 14, 2025

Summer 2025 Make Art Series:
July 4 – August 29, 2025

Artist Talk with Taryn Goodwin:
1:00pm on Saturday, August 16, 2025

The Comox Valley Art Gallery is committed to creating safer spaces where everyone can participate.

All ages are welcome.

CVAG spaces are accessible. Efforts are made to make presented programming contents available to all by using approachable audio and visual technologies to aid in experience, way finding signage. Staff are available to answer any questions and to provide orientation to the presentation and gallery spaces.

Programs are barrier-free (no cost). DONATIONS are appreciated and contribute to ongoing community interactive programming.

PUBLIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: we ask that visitors choose not to visit if they are experiencing symptoms of colds and flus.

Hand sanitation dispensers are available at CVAG. Wearing a mask is at the discretion of the visitor.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS + GRATITUDE

The Comox Valley Art Gallery is grateful to operate on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks Nation.

This program is made possible through the support of our FUNDERS: City of Courtenay, Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, Government of Canada, Province of BC, Comox Valley Regional District, Town of Comox | LOCAL SUPPORT: ABC Printing, Hitec Screen Printing, SD71 Printshop, Shine-Eze Ltd., + Paintbox Painting.

CVAG is grateful to the artists for sharing vital information that informed the installation and access supports for because • not despite. Special thanks to Terri McCormak, who knows some sign language; Della McCreary for helping along every stage of Persimmon’s project; Melissa Moore of Hornby Island Arts for introducing us to Zsofin; and Tangled Arts + Disability who “cultivate Disability Arts in Canada and enhance access to the arts for artists and all audiences”.

Exhibitions

• 

  Emma Goldman at the Frick Museum

  "I'm pretty sure Emma never went to the Frick Museum." – Persimmon Blackbridge

  June 14 - August 30 2025
• 

  The Shape of Care

  "Care is not a solitary act. It is co-authored, continually negotiated, and held together in community." – Taryn Goodwin

  June 14 - August 30 2025
• 

  Art of Belonging

  "Working together and learning from each other has an important and transformative effect..."

  June 14 - September 23 2025
• 

  because • not despite | three videos

  Three films augment the convergent programming using CVAG's digital presentation spaces.

  June 14 - August 30 2025