SEATTLE—
For Earl Debman, expressing himself in words is often difficult, but on canvas, he has no problem transforming what's in his imagination. He brings powerful ideas to life, painting colorful pieces about the common man and social justice."Painting is an opportunity for me to express my inner thoughts. This one shows Obama saying 'Yes we can' to the whole world with Malcom X and Martin Luther King in the background," says Debman.
Tera Johnson with the Seattle Center Artists Studio works with Earl and other adults with disabilities.
"I think for a lot of our artists language may be a barrier and communication when they come in and make art that barrier is gone now it's a visual world and visual language," says Johnson.
Thursday night, Earl's work, along with other artists with disabilities, will be sold at a benefit in Bellevue. It's an event for "At Work", a group that helps people like Earl find jobs.
"It adds to the richness and fullness of life being able to express yourself," says Jane Kuechle with "at Work".
What artists like Earl do truly defies explanation. Being able to express himself, and share his work with others at this event, means everything to him.
"at Work gives our artists a sense of purpose they're not making art for themselves they're making art people are going to see. Their work is more than just their work, it becomes part of our world," says Johnson.
The "at Work" event is Thursday from 4:00 to 7:30 PM at 1935 152nd Pl NE in Bellevue. The money raised goes directly to the artists, with a small portion going to the Artists Studio at the Seattle Center.
