Syracuse, NY – The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University is proud to support Possible Worlds: 20 Years of the Wynn Newhouse Awards, a major exhibition on view at the Syracuse University Art Museum, located in the Joe and Emily Lowe Galleries, from January 20 through May 9, 2026.

The Burton Blatt Institute’s support reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing the civic, social, and economic participation of people with disabilities. “By supporting Possible Worlds, BBI affirms the importance of artistic displays that recognize disability as an integral part of human diversity and creative expression.” says Peter Blanck, University Professor at Syracuse University and BBI Chairman.

This exhibit marks the 20th anniversary of the Wynn Newhouse Award, a pioneering initiative established in 2006 to recognize artists of excellence who also happen to live with disabilities. Over two decades, the award has championed bold, innovative voices in contemporary art in a variety of art forms. These individual voices have expanded the discourse about representation, identity, and access in the art world.

Possible Worlds explores how artists with disabilities navigate the art world—and the world at large—on their own terms. Rather than focusing on disability as a central theme, the exhibit frames it as one of many intersecting that inform artistic practice. In doing so, the exhibition invites the audience to consider whose experiences are centered in the arts and how more equitable conditions for artistic participation can be created.

Artists featured in the exhibit include Beverly Baker, Derrick Alexis Coard, Courttney Cooper, Joseph Grigley, Em Kettner, Reverend Joyce McDonald, William Scott, Kambel Smith, Katz Tepper, Melvin Way, and Peter Williams.

For more information about the exhibition, visit the Syracuse University Art Museum’s current exhibits