"Who We Are" Showcase to Feature Artists with Disabilities at Wine Walk

Wine with a purpose! On September 17th, 2015, Evanston-based JJslist.com will host "Who We Are," an art exhibit by Visibility Arts featuring artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The showcase will be held from 5 to 8pm at 824 Dempster Street in partnership with the second annual Chicago Dempster Evanston Charity Wine Walk. Twelve Visibility artists will display their work while guests enjoy wine pours from Vinic Wine and hors d'oeuvres. The art is for sale, with 100% of the proceeds going to the artists.

Visibility Arts, a program of Search, Inc., is a comprehensive visual arts program based in Mt. Prospect that offers a combination of group learning experiences and hands-on studio time. Visibility artists meet and learn from other local artists and enjoy regular opportunities to show and sell their work in a variety of galleries and public venues, including recent showings in Portland, Oregon and Santa Barbara, California.

Visibility Arts began 15 years ago out of a desire to provide opportunities for self-expression and achievement for adults with developmental disabilities. Since then, the artists of Visibility Arts have used their creativity to break down stereotypes about people with disabilities. By putting brush to canvas they show us the incredible abilities and talent ‪people with disabilities contribute to their communities.‬‬‬‬

"Visibility Arts is a program that develops, supports, encourages and enhances the amazing skills of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities," says Tina Zemen, Visibility Arts Manager at Search. "The work, the focus, the time, and the end results heighten not only the artist's lives, but ours as well. Through their art, we are able to share and embrace their experience. It is an honor and privilege to work with each one of our artists!"

The Evanston Charity Wine Walk is a lively neighborhood shop-for-charity event hosted by the Chicago Dempster Merchants Association and Vinic Wine. On September 17th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm more than 20 local businesses will pour Chilean wine samples at this second annual event to benefit local programs for people with disabilities. Ticket sales, raffle and a portion of merchant sales will benefit JJslist.com, a social enterprise of Search, and the Women's Club of Evanston. Advance tickets can be purchased online or in person at Vinic Wine.

JJslist.com is an online platform for businesses and individuals with disabilities to communicate for the benefit of both. By opening the lines of communication, businesses are able to learn more about how to provide accessible marketplaces, both to consumers and to potential employees with disabilities.

"As a local non-profit that provides workplace skills training for adults with disabilities, we support efforts by Evanston businesses to be disability aware," states JJ Hanley, Associate Director of Search, Inc., and founder of JJslist.com. "This event helps build community awareness of the capacity and ability of people with disabilities because our participants work to help organize, promote and host the Wine Walk."

To find out more, please contact Audrey Landale at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-305-5000 x55.