Currently on display in the Homer Public Library’s Fireplace Reading Lounge is a body of artwork created by more than 20 local individuals and organized by RJ Nelson, a local community member, and Michael Gavillot, director of Homer’s Independent Living Center.

Some of the pieces have been previously displayed in other community exhibits, while many were created specifically for this display.

“We wanted the community to see all the different art we have created together,” Gavillot said.

Since 1991, ILC has been providing services in the Kenai Peninsula area to seniors, individuals and families living with disabilities, promoting equality, inclusivity and independence by empowering all people with disabilities through advocacy, services, programs and community connection.

“ILC promotes fun, adaptive and inclusive recreation opportunities for people of all abilities through our Total Recreation and Independent Living Services, or TRAILS, program,” Gavillot said.

One group that has come out of this program is referred to as Artability. These participants have been meeting weekly since 2023, coming together to inspire one another to make art.

“This is thanks in great part to RJ Nelson, super volunteer and art mentor, and Tammy Anderson, owner of Homer Art and Frame who provides the space and supports our cause,” Gavillot said.

Sharing space in the library exhibit area since the pieces were installed in early July is artwork by Homer High School students in Winter Marshall’s class, including a collaborative piece titled “Where Do You Fit In.” In this large piece, 15 squares of varying sizes have been made to look like puzzle pieces, with different individuals drawing within the squares and addressing the question. Masks, fish, flowers and moose are among the elements shown. This piece was originally created for Homer Council on the Art’s Jubilee exhibit earlier this year.

Hanging on either side of this larger piece are smaller mixed media canvas, bright paints adorned with rocks, shells, sea glass, paper, wood and other items. Along the walls and on the shelves are more mixed media works as well as alcohol tiles, mosaic pieces and colorful painted corks, including one showing a scene common to Homer, a boat on the water with seagulls soaring overhead. All of these pieces were created by Artability participants.

With regularly hosted art groups and ever-changing mediums and projects, Artability offers all levels of support to a wide array of their participants who vary in age, artistic experience and ability. Striving to make the group an inviting and inclusive space for all, organizers work to both empower artists of all abilities to create art and secure spaces where they can show their creations to the Homer community.

To date, Artability participants have contributed work to local art venues including HCOA’s annual “Jubilee Celebrating Youth” spring exhibit, as well as their yearly “Fun With 5×7” open call for art. Their work has also been displayed during the library’s “The Big Read” event, the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival and, most recently, at “Resilient Earth, Resilient Communities,” an exhibit hosted by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies with work shown at the Wynn Nature Center. Other art pieces by the group’s artists have been submitted to local competitions like KBBI’s Mug Contest and a Disability Pride Celebration t-shirt contest. In addition to showcasing their art, many group members have represented Artability by participating in the Homer Chamber of Commerce’s events including Harbor Fest, the Fourth of July parade and the Winter Carnival.

“Homer is well known for its art community, and Artability wants Homer art to be inclusive to all as well,” Gavillot said.

In addition to ILC’s paintings, tiles and buoys and the collaborative piece by Homer High Students, the library is also showing a single landscape painting by community member Anika Emerson. All work in the exhibit is on display through Sept. 30.

Artability is always in need of art supplies. To contribute, items can be dropped off at Homer Art & Frame. For more information on ILC and the Artability program, call 907-235-7911, visit the office at 265 E Pioneer Avenue, Suite 201 or find them online at peninsulailc.org and Independent Living Center on Facebook.

Artists in the Homer Independent Living Center’s Artability program are photographed with their artwork on display at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge during the 2025 Shorebird Festival in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by the Independent Living Center

A painted buoy on display through September in the Homer Public Library’s Fireplace Reading Lounge is one of numerous pieces by participants in the Independent Living Center’s Artability program in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

A mixed media piece currently on display through September in the Homer Public Library’s Fireplace Lounge is one of numerous works of art created by members of the Independent Living Center’s Artability program in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

Artwork by artists participating in the Independent Living Center’s Artability program is on display through September in the Homer Public Library’s Fireplace Reading Lounge in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

”Where We Fit In” is a multimedia artwork created by Homer High School students earlier this year for Homer Council on the Arts’ 2025 Jubilee! exhibit and is one of numerous pieces on display through September at the Homer Public Library in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting