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Atop a green grassy hill overlooking a forest with water below. Mountains off in the distance.
Pleasant Valley, Lenox © Nicole Marcotte
Pleasant Valley News

Roots, Stems, Leaves, Sky: A Nature-Inspired Exhibit by CATA Artists at Pleasant Valley

October 06, 2026

On Display October 10-November 18, 2026

Mass Audubon and Community Access to the Arts (CATA) present Roots, Stems, Leaves, Sky, an exhibition of works by artists with disabilities inspired by the natural landscape of the Berkshires.

About the Exhibition

Roots, Stems, Leaves, Sky features vibrant paintings, drawings, photographs, and prints by artists with disabilities from Community Access to the Arts (CATA).​

Many of the works were created on-site at Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary as part of an ongoing partnership between CATA and Mass Audubon. Guided by Mass Audubon educators, CATA artists explored Pleasant Valley’s All Persons Trail through tactile nature walks, drawing inspiration from the textures, colors, patterns, and wildlife to create a vibrant collection of artworks.

Colorful abstract painting of the sun in the sky
Untitled by Guilianna Raab, 2026.

The exhibition also includes work created by artists with disabilities in CATA’s innovative arts workshops at disability agencies, day programs, and residences across the Berkshires—as well as in CATA’s art studios in Great Barrington.​ Each piece is an invitation to see our world from another vantage point, and to immerse ourselves in each CATA artist’s unique perspective.

This exhibit is part of CATA’s “Art on Tour” program, where original works of art created by CATA artists travel throughout the year to museums, galleries, community centers, and other venues in Berkshire and Columbia counties.

Opening Reception

Thursday, October 22 from 3:00-5:00 pm. This event is free with admission.

RSVPs are Requested

Visit the Exhibit

Roots, Stems, Leaves, Sky will be on display in the historic barn at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, open daily from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, October 10 through November 18. Admission to the exhibit is free with admission and free for Mass Audubon Members.

All works are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, with proceeds supporting commissions for the individual artists.

Dive deeper into the exhibition through CATA’s digital guide on Bloomberg Connects. Find video interviews with CATA artists, audio tours, original music inspired by the artwork, and more.

For more information, please contact [email protected].