Access Denied + Being Grayson - Group Exhibition

Access Denied, a group show featuring participants from Access Gallery’s Photography Residency, and 
Being Grayson, new works by Julia Vandenoever
March 3-31, 2023

First Friday Art Walk: March 3, 6 – 9 PM
Meet the Artists / Artist Talks: Friday, March 17, 6 – 8 pm

Free and open to the public

Gallery Hours: Thursday 1 – 4 pm; Friday 1 – 5 pm; and Saturday 1 – 4 pm

Access Gallery is excited to present two new exhibitions on display during the Month of Photography Denver festival: Access Denied featuring participants from Access Gallery’s Photography Residency, and Being Grayson featuring new works by photographer Julia Vandenoever.

Access Denied is an exploration of street photography through the lens of disability activism. This show is a culmination of Access Gallery’s photography residency program taught by teaching artists Ron Davis and Andre Rodriguez. Artists were supplied with cameras, mentorship, and instruction to document their experiences on the streets of Denver.

Davis states:

“The human experience is denied if access is not given to every form. We often think of physical barriers and isolation when it comes to people with disabilities but also consider the other areas that are denied to this community: personal expression, emotional space, individuality, talent, experimentation, and meaningful relationships. Access Gallery’s photography residency gave room for exploration, discovery, curiosity, and imagination to tell a story through the disabled lens.”

On our Spotlight Wall we will exhibit Being Grayson, mixed media photography by Julia Vandenoever that tells the story of her son Grayson who lives with ADHD and dyslexia. The series documents his daily life in two ways: portraiture and artifacts. Photographs are printed and given to Grayson to write out his emotional response to the images that depict himself. Also on display are Grayson’s own art projects, letters, to-do lists, and more. This collaboration between mother and son tells a compelling story of love, exasperation, and ultimately triumph.

Vandenoever states:

“As a child with ADHD and dyslexia, Grayson’s whole world operates on a separate frequency. Both of these are neurological, which means his brain is wired differently. There are no outward physical signs. The differences are shown through behavior like disorganization, forgetfulness, and impulsivity.

Being Grayson is an exploration and celebration of Grayson’s process, a process that is often misunderstood. For me, guiding him along his path at times has been isolating. The act of photographing both his and my experiences is cathartic and promotes understanding and acceptance to the mystery of his logic. We’ve learned how to have a dialogue. By slowing down alongside him, not asking him to change, I see his beauty and gifts to the world. There is space for Grayson to be Grayson.”