Luminous
The Art of Edward Kwiatkowski

The late artist and Holyoke resident Edward Kwiatkowski was born with cerebral palsy and had only a 6^th grade level education.  And, although his condition left him unable to use his hands, determined to express himself through painting and drawing he created a most remarkable and prolific body of work using his right foot only. 
 
Kwiatkowski’s images are highly energetic and full of his detailed observations. With mostly local exposure and limited exhibition opportunities he made art because, as he once remarked, it allowed him an escape from the difficulties and anger he felt towards his condition. 
 
Beginning his art studies in 1954 at the United Cerebral Palsy Association in Springfield, with the generous support from an anonymous donor, he later attended two years at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Physical challenges eventually left him wheel chair bound in 2005. In recognition of Kwiatkowski’s huge talent, Valley Frameworks in Amherst has been documenting and preserving the vast collection of his works.

Special thanks to Ani Rivera, owner of Valley Frame Works in Amherst and archivist for the collection.