Para Arts Foundation, Inc.

Para Arts Foundation, Inc. We are a non-profit organization called Para Arts Foundation, Inc.

Our purpose is to improve lives of disabled people with artistic inclinations by providing them with various venues of expressing their talents while addressing their special needs. Para Arts Foundation’ mission is to encourage people with disabilities to express themselves through multiple forms of arts such as literature (poetry and prose), painting, comedy, music, fashion, dance, video and phot

ography. We want to establish unique database of talented people, unknown to the world and give them opportunity to be recognized and also financially rewarded/ supported for their work

At the recent exhibition at Sable Gallery - Art for Charity organized by Inessa Sable, visitors gathered not simply to v...
05/18/2026

At the recent exhibition at Sable Gallery - Art for Charity organized by Inessa Sable, visitors gathered not simply to view art, but to experience a space filled with warmth, reflection and creative energy. The charitable exhibition brought together artists whose works explored memory, philosophy, resilience and beauty through color and form.

Among the participating artists was our own Viktoriya Gorelik - a talented young artist whose creative journey is especially inspiring. Despite many life challenges, Victoria continues to create and share deeply expressive works that reflect sensitivity, strength and inner light. Her participation in the exhibition became a meaningful reminder that art is not only about technique, but also about perseverance, courage, and the ability to keep moving forward.

The exhibition united people who truly value authentic art and meaningful human connection. Guests included artists, collectors, community members and public figures, among them Assemblymember Michael Novakhov .

Alongside Victoria, the exhibition featured works by Zhanna Averbukh, Lana Morgolina, Phiruzi Sitchinava, Aleks Kontr and other contemporary artists, each bringing their own unique voice and vision.

Events like these remind us that art has the power to connect people, inspire dialogue and bring joy even during difficult times
***

На недавней выставке в Sable Gallery, организованной Инессой Сейбл, посетители собрались не просто для того, чтобы осмотреть произведения искусства, но и чтобы ощутить атмосферу пространства, наполненного теплом, глубокими размышлениями и творческой энергией. Эта благотворительная выставка объединила художников, чьи работы исследуют темы памяти, философии, стойкости и красоты, выражая их с помощью цвета и формы.

Среди участников выставки была и наша Виктория Горелик — талантливая молодая художница, чей творческий путь вызывает особое восхищение. Несмотря на многочисленные жизненные испытания, Виктория продолжает творить и делиться с миром своими глубоко экспрессивными работами, в которых отражаются чуткость, внутренняя сила и свет. Ее участие в выставке стало важным напоминанием о том, что искусство — это не только мастерство владения техникой, но и упорство, мужество, а также способность неизменно двигаться вперед.

Выставка объединила людей, которые по-настоящему ценят подлинное искусство и значимые человеческие связи. Среди гостей были художники, коллекционеры, представители общественности и публичные деятели; в их числе член Ассамблеи штата Михаил Новахов.

Наряду с работами Виктории, на выставке были представлены произведения Жанны Авербух, Ланы Морголиной, Фирузы Ситчинавы, Алекса Контра и других современных художников; каждый из них привнес в экспозицию свой уникальный голос и собственное видение мира.

Подобные мероприятия напоминают нам о том, что искусство обладает удивительной силой: оно способно объединять людей, вдохновлять на диалог и дарить радость даже в самые непростые времена.

Exciting news! We are honored to announce that Para Arts Foundation has received support from the New York City Departme...
05/12/2026

Exciting news! We are honored to announce that Para Arts Foundation has received support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs FY2026 Cultural Development Fund (CDF)! We are proud to be among nearly 1,200 cultural organizations across New York City receiving support this year through the partnership between the NYC Mayor’s Office and the City Council.

This investment in our mission will help us continue bringing accessible, affordable and inclusive cultural programming to our community. Our FY2026 CDF grant will support several important projects, including:

• ArtVictory Exhibitions (a series of exhibitions showcasing the work of artists with disabilities in public spaces across the city, helping bring visibility, representation and dialogue into everyday urban life;

• YouAndMe (a networking event designed to connect disabled and non-disabled artists, encouraging collaboration, conversation and new creative opportunities);

• Completion of our short film “I Want To Hear My Voice” (a film dedicated to disability experiences, identity and the importance of being seen and heard).

We are deeply grateful for this support and for everyone who continues to believe in the importance of inclusive art, storytelling and community!

More about these programs you can find here:

https://brooklyn.news12.com/new-sheepshead-bay-exhibit-puts-no-barriers-on-those-with-disabilities

https://www.paraarts.org/we-invite-you-to-the-opening-of-the-2nd-exhibition-disability-is-no-barrier-to-creativity-and-achievement-of-artists-with-disabilities/

https://www.paraarts.org/category/online-exhibition-artvictory

On April 16 Para Arts Foundation attended the State of the Borough 2026, an important moment of reflection and celebrati...
04/29/2026

On April 16 Para Arts Foundation attended the State of the Borough 2026, an important moment of reflection and celebration of Brooklyn’s present and future. In a thoughtful and detailed address, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso outlined ambitious plans to address major challenges, from affordable housing and cultural investment to environmental sustainability and community development.

And yet, one important community remained absent from the conversation. Despite the event’s hopeful tone and strong vision, disability issues were not addressed. On the public suggestion board where attendees were invited to share ideas for improving our borough, there was only one mention of disability, ours. It raises an important question: are disability concerns still placed at the very bottom of our collective priorities?

Despite policy efforts and programs in recent years, the disability community remains too often invisible, underserved, and, perhaps most painfully, isolated.

Para Arts Foundation will continue engaging with leaders and policymakers, advocating for greater visibility, meaningful inclusion and real support for the disability community. Brooklyn’s future should be built for everyone.

04/26/2026

Dear Friends,

We warmly invite you to visit our exhibition, taking place from May 1 to May 3, 2026.

The exhibition will feature works not only by talented artists, but also by artists with physical disabilities — individuals whose creativity reflects the limitless potential of the human spirit.

This is a unique opportunity to experience art that inspires, broadens perspectives, and redefines our understanding of talent.

You will also have the opportunity to purchase artworks and, in doing so, directly support these remarkable artists.

We look forward to welcoming everyone who appreciates and is inspired by the world of visual art.

Address:
3165 Emmons Ave Ste. C2
Brooklyn, NY 11235

04/22/2026

Dear friends. If you are an artist with disability and live in NYC :
Para Arts Foundation, Inc invites 2 artists to participate in art exhibition in gallery Sable Gallery https://sablegallery.com/. It is part of our ongoing project Art victory, which promotes creativity of artists with disabilities in NYC. You also can put your work on sale if you will want to. If you interested, please send 5 images of your works to [email protected] by Thursday April 23, 9pm with your contact information and where you live.

04/16/2026

Бывают моменты, когда искусство становится чем-то большим, чем просто творчеством, оно превращается в опору, связь и источник тихой силы.

На днях представители фонда Para Arts Foundation навестили замечательного скульптора Михаила Левченко, который восстанавливается после сложной операции.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DabYQX4tK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Для нас было важно не только узнать, как проходит его выздоровление, но и напомнить ему, что он не одинок. Что его талант, его голос и его присутствие - по-настоящему важны.

В качестве небольшого знака внимания мы подарили Михаилу альбом для эскизов - пространство для новых идей, размышлений и, как мы надеемся, для бережного возвращения к творчеству в собственном ритме. Порой даже самые простые инструменты способны помочь вновь распахнуть двери навстречу вдохновению.

Мы желаем Михаилу сил, скорейшего выздоровления и создания множества новых работ. Для нас большая честь быть рядом с художниками на каждом этапе их творческого пути.

✨

There are moments when art becomes more than creation, it becomes support, connection and quiet strength.

Representatives of Para Arts Foundation recently visited sculptor Mikhail Levchenko following his difficult surgery.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DabYQX4tK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It was important for us not only to check in on his recovery, but to remind him that he is not alone. That his talent, his voice and his presence truly matter.

As a small gesture, we presented Mikhail with a sketch album, a space for new ideas, reflections and, hopefully, for a gentle return to creativity at his own pace. Sometimes even the simplest tools can help reopen the door to inspiration.

We wish Mikhail strength, healing and many new works ahead. We are honored to stand by artists through every chapter of their journey.

04/08/2026

She Can Be Loved. Without “Despite.”

A woman with cerebral palsy is not an exception.
Not a challenge.
Not a “special case.”
So why does her love still need explaining?
________________________________________
When a woman with cerebral palsy is in a relationship with a man without a disability,
society rarely sees just a couple.
It starts looking for meaning.
— “Why is he with her?”
— “He’s such a strong man.”
— “Not everyone could do that.”
And that’s where the shift happens.
Love is turned into an act of bravery.
And the woman becomes something to overcome.
________________________________________
But love is not about overcoming.
If someone has to be loved “despite” who they are,
they’ve already been placed below.
Not as an equal.
Not as a partner.
But as a compromise.
________________________________________
A woman with cerebral palsy is not “the harder option.”
She is someone who can be desired.
Someone you can build a life with.
Someone you can choose — fully.
Not “despite.”
Just because.
________________________________________
And the man next to her is not a hero.
If he loves —
that’s not courage.
Not sacrifice.
That’s normal.
________________________________________
The most damaging thing isn’t cruelty.
It’s quiet, almost invisible devaluation:
when people admire not the love,
but the fact that “he manages.”
________________________________________
At Para Arts Foundation, we say this clearly:
people with disabilities have the right not only to be respected,
but to be desired.
Not only to be accepted,
but to be chosen.
________________________________________
As long as their love needs explanation,
it is not fully recognized.
________________________________________
She can be loved.
Without “despite.”
And that is where equality begins.

04/02/2026

Exactly Where We Need to Be 🚗🛞🦽🏳️‍🌈

The road stretched ahead like a ribbon of gold, warm under the late afternoon sun. Inside the car, laughter kept time with the music.

Cristina leaned back in the passenger seat, her fingers tapping softly against her leg, moving to a rhythm only she fully understood. Living with cerebral palsy meant her movements were sometimes unpredictable, sometimes slow, but always hers. Louisa never rushed her. Never needed to.

Louisa let the road carry them forward, turning to Cristina with a quiet, playful grin.
“Okay, serious question… if we open a café one day, what are we naming it?”

Cristina laughed. “You’re asking this again? You already rejected all my ideas.”

“Because ‘Crisi-Lou Brew’ sounds like medicine,” Louisa teased.

“It sounds creative,” Cristina shot back, smiling. “And it’s ours.”

Louisa nodded, softer now. “Everything with you feels like ours.”

They let the moment settle, wrapped in music and sunlight.

Then Cristina’s phone rang.

She glanced at the screen. “It’s Mom.”

She answered. “Hi, Mom.”

On the other end, Lenny’s voice carried both warmth and quiet worry.
“Where are you now? How’s the drive?”

Cristina looked out the window, then at Louisa. “We’re having fun. Really fun. Maybe… three more hours and we’ll reach the place.”

Louisa leaned slightly toward the phone, raising her voice just enough.
“Don’t worry, Lenny. She’s safe with me.”

A small pause. Then Lenny chuckled softly.
“I know she is. Still… call me if anything happens.”

“We will,” Cristina promised.

The call ended, and the car returned to its rhythm. Music. Wind. Quiet happiness.

Then Louisa’s expression shifted.

“Wait…”

Cristina noticed immediately. “What is it?”

Louisa slowed the car, eyes narrowing slightly. “Something feels off… I think it’s the tire.”

They pulled over to the side of the road.

Silence, for a second. Then—

Cristina smiled. “Adventure?”

Louisa laughed. “Always.”

They stepped into action like it was a dance they already knew.

Louisa opened the back, pulling out Cristina’s wheelchair with practiced ease. Then she moved to Cristina’s side, opening the door gently.

“Ready?” Louisa asked.

Cristina nodded, steady but trusting.

Louisa carefully lifted her, strong but careful, like she was holding something precious and unbreakable at the same time. She placed her into the wheelchair, adjusting her position so she was comfortable.

Cristina exhaled, smiling. “You always make that look easy.”

Louisa winked. “That’s because you make it worth it.”

Cristina rolled slightly closer. “Good. Because I’m supervising.”

“Supervising?” Louisa grabbed the tools. “You mean distracting.”

“Same thing,” Cristina said proudly.

As Louisa worked on the tire, Cristina kept her company.

“You missed a spot.”

“There is no spot.”

“There’s always a spot.”

Louisa laughed, wiping her hands. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And you love it.”

“I really do.”

Their laughter echoed softly into the open road, blending with the hum of passing cars and the glow of sunset.

When the tire was finally fixed, Louisa sat back on her heels.

“Done.”

Cristina looked around, then pointed. “Hey…”

Louisa followed her gaze.

Across the road stood a small fast-food place, glowing warmly like it had been waiting for them all along.

They looked at each other.

No words.

Just a shared spark.

Louisa stood, dusting off her hands. “So… fancy dinner canceled?”

Cristina grinned. “Upgraded.”

Louisa moved behind her, gently pushing the wheelchair toward the entrance.

A staff member opened the door with a smile.
“Welcome!”

Inside, everything felt easy. Light. Right.

They settled at a table, still smiling like they had discovered something better than their original plan.

Cristina picked up her phone again.
“Let’s call Mom.”

Louisa leaned closer.

Lenny answered. “Hello?”

Cristina spoke, warmth in her voice.
“Change of plans. We’re not going to the original place anymore.”

A pause.

“Why?” Lenny asked.

Louisa chimed in gently.
“Because we found something better.”

Cristina added, smiling at Louisa,
“We’re exactly where we need to be.”

On the other end, Lenny smiled too.
“As long as you’re happy.”

Cristina glanced at Louisa’s hand resting near hers.

“We are.”

And in that small fast-food place, with grease-stained fingers, shared laughter, and a love that moved without limits, Cristina and Louisa weren’t just on a journey.

They were already home. ✨

04/02/2026

FRIENDSHIP WITHOUT LABELS

We still divide people into “able-bodied” and “people with disabilities.”
Sometimes out loud. More often — silently, within ourselves.

And even friendship gets measured this way:
who is easier to be with, who is harder, who comes with “fewer complications.”

But the truth is — friendship is not about convenience.

It is about equality.

Once, someone said something I will never forget:
“I try to be easy to be around so people won’t stop inviting me.”

There is fear in those words.
The fear of being “too much.”
The fear of being left alone.

And this is not about weakness.
This is about how society teaches people with disabilities — to adapt, to endure, to stay silent.

But a friendship where you have to make yourself “convenient” —
is not friendship.

It is loneliness shared by two.

Real friendship is when:
— you are not pitied, but respected
— your presence matters
— you can say “this is hard for me” without feeling guilty
— you are not less, not an “exception” — you are equal

Disability does not make friendship difficult.
What makes it difficult are stereotypes, fear, and the inability to meet each other as equals.

Ask yourself honestly:
do you choose people you truly feel good with —
or just those who are easy to be around?

And one more question:
is there someone in your life you never let get close — simply because they were “different”?

At Para Arts Foundation, we believe:
friendship begins where labels end.

03/25/2026

The Myth of a “Vaccine for Cerebral Palsy”: Brief and Honest

When I was in school, I often heard a story that in the 1980s–1990s, in what was then Soviet Belarus, an experimental vaccine for cerebral palsy (CP) had supposedly been developed. It was described as a serious scientific breakthrough that, for some reason, never became widely used.

The story sounds convincing—but from the perspective of modern medicine, it is not true.

Cerebral palsy is not an infectious disease. It is a condition caused by damage to a child’s brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or early infancy. It is not transmitted from person to person. Therefore, creating a vaccine for CP is impossible in principle, since vaccines work only against viruses and bacteria.

At the same time, in the Soviet Union, including Belarus, there was indeed active research on CP. Rehabilitation methods were developed, including physical therapy, massage, physiotherapy, and medical support. Various injections were also used—vitamins, nootropic drugs, and stimulants. For parents, this could appear as a form of “special treatment with injections,” which over time may have evolved into the idea of a “vaccine.”

There may also have been confusion with vaccination against polio—a disease that does cause paralysis. In the Soviet era, this vaccine was widely used, and in people’s memory it may have remained as a “vaccine against paralysis,” later mistakenly associated with CP.

It is also important to consider the context of the time. In the 1980s–1990s, information often spread through word of mouth, and the idea of “secret developments” was widespread. In such an environment, stories like this could easily take root and be passed on.

Thus, the myth of a “vaccine for CP” is not a forgotten scientific breakthrough, but rather a combination of real medical practices, misunderstanding, and human hope.

Today we know that CP cannot be cured with a single injection. However, modern medicine offers effective ways to help—early diagnosis, physical rehabilitation, speech therapy, and psychological support. These approaches produce real results and improve quality of life.

Sometimes the truth is less simple than the legend—but it is what allows us to move forward.

Address

3165 Emmons Ave Ste. C2
Brooklyn, NY
11235

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