FEATURED ARTIST
Disability Pride: Our Stories in Color
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Disability Pride is a national celebration observed each July. On June 23, 2026, New Ulm kicked off its Disability Pride celebration with an art workshop called "Our Stories in Color," where people gathered to learn about Disability Pride and create self-portraits. Disability Pride "celebrates the strength, identity, and community that grew from years of disability advocacy in the United States." This workshop was a collaborative partnership among ARS-New Ulm, People First of New Ulm, the United We Stand Players, The Arc Minnesota, Open Arts Minnesota, Self-Advocates Minnesota SW (SAM SW), and Advocating Change Together.
The self-portraits were designed by artist Rhonda Johnson, who partners with ARS-New Ulm to facilitate art workshops throughout the year. Participants first learned about Disability Pride and the themes that define it, including self-acceptance, identity, self-determination, and visibility. Reflecting on these themes and their own lived experiences, each person created the self-portrait displayed in this exhibition. Every portrait is unique to its artist, celebrating the diversity, resilience, and individuality of the disability community. The workshop provided a powerful opportunity for participants to express their stories through art and to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Art is a powerful vehicle for self-reflection, inviting us to embrace all that we are as individuals and our place in the world. It fosters connection, challenges assumptions, and creates space for stories that deserve to be seen and heard. As Disability Pride reminds us, art "has always been a part of the fight for disability rights and a powerful way for disabled people to share their stories."
New Ulm has long been part of Minnesota's Disability Rights Movement, with artistic expression serving as one of its enduring forms of advocacy through performance, theater, poetry, and the visual arts. We invite you to experience these works, celebrate the artists and their stories, and honor Disability Pride-not only during July, but every day.
Wilbur Neushwander-Frink- Open Arts Minnesota
Exhibit Reception
Mark your calendars for an opening reception with the ARS New Ulm partners on Saturday, July 11 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. In coordination with The Grand Center for Arts & Culture. We invite you to stop by, meet the artists, and experience this meaningful exhibition. Ulm Sweet Ulm (Lykke Books)(203 N Minnesota St, New Ulm).
Carol Edwards will be our next featured gallery artist. Her beautiful collection of watercolor and acrylic paintings will be on display July 21 through August 17.
You're invited to meet Carol during her Artist Opening Reception on Thursday, July 30, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Stop by to enjoy the artwork, meet the artist, and celebrate another wonderful local exhibit.