"Art is a very important part of community. You can't have too much," artist Tom Harmon says.
Ten years ago, after serving 35 years in the in the U.S. Army, Harmon decided to explore his artistic abilities through the Jackson chapter of the International Organization on Arts and Disability (VSA). The self-taught artist, who is deaf but can hear with the help of cochlear implants, began teaching adults with disabilities through the VSA, and also teaching art to Jackson Public Schools' students as well as students all over the state with disabilities . Last year, organization granted him with one of five VSA teaching artist fellowship in the nation.
Harmon, 70, and his students have been busy preparing for the Goodwill Art Show this month. The annual show includes the work of more than 200 artists with mental and physical disabilities, and proceeds will help fund Goodwill Industries programs such as workforce development for the disabled. Harmon will showcase three of his oil paintings. He has been experimenting with oils, temporarily departing from his usual medium of watercolor.
"The Goodwill Art Show is an opportunity for artists with disabilities that may not be able to be represented anywhere else," he says. "They produce a lot of great art. It comes from their heart. They love their art and they love people to see it."
The Jackson native has discovered a way to express himself, and a way to connect with the Jackson community, he said. He strives to help his fellow artists with disabilities so that they can know the satisfaction of having their work admired, loved and appreciated.
The Goodwill Art Show runs March 14 through March 27 at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.), with an award ceremony March 27 at 2 p.m. The artists receive a portion of the proceeds from sales of their artwork, and the rest of the money goes directly to Goodwill.
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