Interact - D.D.

September 18, 2024 – January 20, 2025

Since 1996 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts has been creating art that challenges perceptions of disability. They were the first – and remain the only – combined visual and performing arts organization nationally or internationally to offer full-time, daily practice of professional-level theater and visual arts to support the creative growth of artists with disabilities. Interact’s vision of radical inclusion blurs the boundaries between who “can” and who “cannot”. They continually push the boundaries of traditional art forms by including unique perceptions of their artists. The artists experience the audience’s appreciation, which brings about a healing and unifying effect. They expand the meaning of “accessibility” for artists with disabilities by playing an active role in the creative process. The Interact Center exemplifies the idea of community integration by supporting artists with and without disabilities working side by side every day.

Currently, over 70 visual artists call Interact their studio. Their gallery aims to advance the recognition of their work through exhibitions, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities.

Are you interested in viewing or purchasing artwork from this UI Health Care exhibition? You can! View the artwork.

Photo credit: D.D., “Angela Bassett,” 2024, Archival giclée print on 100% cotton rag paper, 8” x 10”
DD Angela Bassett
DD
D.D. begins her portraits with the eyes, the most spiritual part, followed by the nose, mouth, cheekbones, and finally, the hair, completing the face. Using acrylics, alcohol markers, or colored pencils, she brings her subjects to life, either realistically or with vibrant, abstract colors. Her subjects are inspiring Black women—singers, actors, writers—who uplift and empower their community. D.D. draws these women because their ethical living and achievements inspire her and others.

D.D. (she/they) is a self-taught African American artist who works in various mediums. She debuted at the 2013 New York Outsider Art Fair with Fountain House Gallery. In 2018, she won first place in sculpture and an honorable mention in fiber arts at the Artability Art Show, and in 2019, first place in graphic arts. Since joining Interact in 2020, she has focused on portraiture, drawing famous Black women. Her debut art book, TIME, will be published in September 2024 by Dog Eye Press.

View more of her work here. (link: https://gallery.interactcenterarts.org/collections/d-d-kilgore)