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GoodArtGallery is pleased to provide its visitors with information about the Ralph Bell Foundation, established in 2001 to help artists with disabilities, and to encourage children to pursue careers in art. Born with cerebral palsy, Ralph Bell was sent to live at the Orient State Institute (Orient, Ohio) at age 9. He stayed there for the next 60 years, receiving virtually no formal education or vocational skills. Bell began painting at age 67, after an art therapist at Orient fitted him with a paint brush fastened atop a helmet-like aparatus. After some initial resistance, Bell painted enthusiastically until his death in 1998. While at the Cerebral Palsy of Columbus & Franklin County center, Bell met Dean Campbell who befriended him and helped secure his first exhibition in 1987. Campbell, along with his wife Dana Toy, and arts patron, Ellen Braddock, took it upon themselves to form the Ralph Bell Foundation as a way to honor the memory of Bell, to help keep his legacy alive, and to promote his love of art. Persons interested in learning more about the foundation may call: 614.470.2340, or send contributions to: The Ralph Bell Foundation c/o P.O. Box 6258 Columbus, Ohio 43201-0258 |
Untitled (Girl with yellow hat and flower) Acrylic paint on canvas Approx 36" by 46" |
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The artist, Ralph Bell, at work painting (Circa 1985) Photo courtesy of Dean Campbell @ |
