Contact Cheryel Carpenter at 817-459-6404
October 27, 2004

The Arlington Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities will honor local artist Jean Riley at a reception, which will occur at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28, at the Bob Duncan Community Center. The Center is located at 2800 S. Center St. in Arlington.

Riley’s artwork has been selected by the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities for its 2004 poster that promotes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Jean Riley has cerebral palsy and has been painting since 1967. According to the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, her human spirit and creative expression pave a path of independence for others to model.

During Thursday’s reception, a number of Riley’s works will be on display and available for purchase at the reception. She will also sign a limited number of posters featuring the selected artwork, which is titled "Invitation to Wonder."

Riley was named one of the "Great Women of Texas" by the Fort Worth Business Press in 2003 and received one of Texas Bank’s Outstanding Women awards in 2004. She was also selected the 2003 Newsmaker of the Year by the Arts Advocate, a nonprofit resource guide for arts and cultural events.