DISABLED ARTIST PAINTS FANTASY ART WITH BRUSH STROKES OF INSPIRATION AT MOSI’s

Disability Awareness Expo
Saturday, July 25 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.



Tampa, FL (July 21, 2009) – Lora Duguay, a polio survivor whose oil paintings have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States, will showcase her talent at ANIMATION featuring Cartoon Network—MOSI’s newest exhibition that explores how art and technology come together to create cartoon animation—during the Disability Awareness Expo.



On Saturday, July 25, MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) and the Hillsborough County Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities will host the annual community-wide Disability Awareness Expo in commemoration of the 19th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, historic civil rights legislation for persons with disabilities. The Expo, “Building Minds, Building Bodies, Building Communities,” honors disability advocates and features exhibits on technology, employment, sports, housing, and the arts as well as new ideas and ways to make life more inclusive and enjoyable for those who may have a disability.



Lora Duguay will paint one of her acclaimed artworks, which focus on the cultural beauty of Native Americans, Rom Gypsies, fantasy art and nature, at the ANIMATION exhibition. She began oil painting as a hobby which then emerged into a full-time career when she suffered from postpolio syndrome. Lora is currently a Board Member and Artist in Residency with VSA Arts of Florida, encouraging creativity and sharing artistic knowledge with students who have disabilities. For more information on Lora Duguay, visit http://loraduguay.snappages.com/.



Now through August 2, 2009, MOSI is offering one FREE child admission with the purchase a full-priced Adult or Senior MOSI General Admission ticket (must mention offer at box office). In ANIMATION’s stimulating and fun environment, visitors will explore the process of animation from concept to finished product — from storyboarding, character design, and drawing techniques to movement, timing, filming, and sound. Larger-than-life graphics of popular Cartoon Network characters provide a colorful backdrop to the exhibit, which also explores careers in animation with digital slide shows of real artists working in the Cartoon Network studio so visitors can learn about the skills and training needed for a career in animation.