In July, the lobby of Pfizer, Inc. corporate headquarters in midtown Manhattan was transformed into a buzzing art gallery as nearly 140 guests attended a reception celebrating the opening of "Igniting Imagination," an exhibit and sale featuring 33 pieces by Gallery YAI Artists.

Gallery YAI offers artists with disabilities the opportunity to develop their creative skills and share their visions with the community. The program celebrates the artistic aptitudes of all individuals and recognizes their exceptional skills as a path to building lives doing the things they love. It is also a way to connect YAI artists to people from throughout the broader community. The universal language of art opens a world of opportunities for connection between the artist and the viewer.

The decision to host the four-month exhibition of artwork, which runs through October 31, is a demonstration of the company’s longtime partnership with the YAI Network.

With a prominent display professionally curated by Pfizer’s Barry Winiker and Chana Benjamin of New Century Artist’s Inc., the exhibit is not only raising awareness of the talents of people with disabilities, but also raising vital funds to sustain the Gallery YAI program, which receives no government funding. Sixty percent of the sale of each piece goes directly to the artist, with the remaining 40 percent allocated to materials, framing, and weekly instruction costs. So far eight of the 33 pieces have sold.

YAI will proudly honor Pfizer, Inc. with our Corporate Leadership Award at the YAI Gala: Partners at the Pier on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at Pier Sixty. The award will be accepted on behalf of the organization by Frank D’Amelio, Executive Vice President Business Operations & Chief Financial Officer.

Longtime Partnership, Significant Impact

Pfizer’s partnership with YAI began in the 1980s, with the hiring of graduates of our employment training programs. The company has also been a longtime sponsor of an event that started as our annual family fun day in Glen Cove, NY, now known as the Central Park Challenge.

A founding member of YAI’s Business Advisory Council, Pfizer also developed the disAbility Colleague Council, an employee resource group for staff members with disabilities and for colleagues who are caregivers to others with disabilities. Through our partnership YAI provides sensitivity training to Pfizer employees in support of the company’s dedication to fostering a diverse workplace.

"YAI is truly an amazing organization," said D'Amelio, speaking of our commitment to providing opportunities to individuals to participate fully in the community. "In just a few decades, it has not only defied the conventional wisdom that people with developmental disabilities were best served in institutions, but it has also turned that wisdom completely on its head. From this, all of society benefits in many, many ways."

According to D’Amelio, the art exhibit has had a positive impact on the corporate culture at Pfizer.

"When I see the spectacular job that you’ve all done, I think of our program here at Pfizer called Dare to Try. It is a program that encourages our colleagues to take on challenges by thinking outside of the box, taking risks and putting ourselves out there by acting on our ideas. When I look at all of your [art] work on the walls I think it’s a great example of your own personal ‘dare to try.’ And for this you are truly an inspiration to all of our colleagues who pass through this lobby. Your work will have a more profound affect than you can possibly imagine."

For one artist, Vanessa Blas, who not only exhibited her work at the Pfizer show, but also played a significant role in preparing the event, the partnership with Pfizer has made a great impact.

“It changed my life by building up my confidence and self-esteem. It also motivates me to want to show my art work to others and when others like my work that makes me happy,” Vanessa said.