by Noella Noelophile®
(Festival of Human Abilities, January, 2020.)
Visitors were painting, learning to create a simple animation, following dance moves and admiring the art exhibits.
Music filled the Great Hall. Lots of smiles were in evidence. Performers chatted with guests after their sets.
And best of all, everyone was welcome, and celebrated.
All of the above are reasons why Aquarium of the Pacific’s Festival of Human Abilities is one of my favorite of their annual events.
And this weekend, it’s going to happen again.
The festival
(Infinite Flow dance company performance, January, 2020.)
Aquarium of the Pacific hosts their twenty-third annual Festival of Human Abilities this Saturday and Sunday, January 24th and 25th.
Celebrating the creative talents of people with disabilities, the Festival features live performances throughout both days, as well as creative workshops. Dancers, musicians, and artists who have honed their craft while learning adaptive skills will be spotlighted.
In addition, sign language interpreters will be on hand, and the Aquarium will provide both visitor guides in Braille and audio tours.
(Zendrea Mitchell, Festival of Human Abilities, January, 2020.)
Two talent-filled days
While I don’t have the specifics of the featured artists, the Aquarium’s website lists the program as ongoing from 9:00 am till 5:00 pm, both days, with performances and programs happening at 45-minute intervals in both the Honda Blue Cavern and the Honda Pacific Theatre.
In the past, the Festival has also featured workshops including dance, taught by Chelsie Hill and The Rollettes™, wheelchair painting by abstract artist Tommy Hollenstein and animation with Dani Bowman of Danimation Entertainment.
Among the performers who wowed everybody? Dancer/educator Zendrea Mitchell, above, with her moving sign-language dance performance, and Infinite Flow dance company.
Like to experience the Festival of Human Abilities? Be sure to book your tickets online; the Aquarium requires reservations for weekends and holidays. Here’s the link for information.