Emily Tironi, Art in Public Places

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library (Site A)

475 Moe Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065

July 2nd-29th, 2025

Artist Statement 

July is designated Disability Pride month to celebrate people with disabilities, elevate disability culture and visibility, and recognize the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This collection of works is created from children’s picture books about disability published in the past 50 years. They seek to celebrate and reframe the culture and history of disability and the ways disability has been presented to children.

Within this collection, there are 7 collages featuring photographs by Matt Van der Velde of abandoned institutions throughout the United States. Mass institutionalization of people with disabilities in the U.S occurred from late 1800s to the 1970s. The Disability Rights Movement, laws like the ADA and the Olmstead Supreme Court decision led to a movement of de-institutionalization and promotion of services and supports for people with disabilities in the community. Medicaid is the funder of these services, especially for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Cuts to Medicaid threaten the services disabled people need to both survive and thrive in the community. I am able to live independently in an apartment because of services and staff funded by Medicaid. Without Medicaid funding, the institutionalization of people with disabilities will increase. Follow the QR code below for more information and to contact your representatives against Medicaid cuts.

 

 

Artist Bio

Emily Tironi is a mixed media collage artist with a disability based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her works are a celebration of the disabled experience and the disabled body. She has an AAS in Media Arts from SUNY Adirondack and a BA in Disability Studies from CUNY School of Professional Studies. In 2020, her work was included in the 31 Women Exhibit at the Sedona Arts Center and she had her first solo exhibition at Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester, VT. In July 2022, Emily was included in the publication, Inside Their Studio: Deaf & Disabled Artists Reshaping the Arts and participated in her first artist residency at Salem Art Works. In April 2025, Emily attended the ChaNorth Residency in Pine Plains, NY. From July 14-August 11, 2025, Emily will attend the Saltonstall Residency in Ithaca, NY.