YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Kent State University students are bringing art exhibit "Dismissed Abilities" to The Butler Art Museum of American Art. 

Kent State students Alexa Daher and Kristyn Wagner will be displaying a series of portraits that captures the hardships of living with disabilities and thriving despite them. 

The exhibit begins September, 12 and will run until January, 3. 

Alexa Daher grew up with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and in high school was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Daher wants to eradicate misconceptions that disabilities all look the same and that people with disabilities cannot live independently, care for or take help from others, be successful, or be disabled without the use of mobility aids. 

"Because of my FSHD it is difficult to show drastic changes in my emotions. Initially, people around me have a hard time knowing if I am happy, sad, or mad." Daher said. "I want a way to show the public that I am happy and accepting of my disability, changing the way the media typically portrays people with disabilities."

Daher chose her best friend, Kristyn Wagner, who both attended Mayfield High School, to help her produce the series. Wagner is majoring in visual communications design and minoring in photography.

"Since she has been there through my experiences and understands portrait photography, I felt she would be an important part in telling my story," Daher said.

Daher took Elizabeth Anne Babb's Art as a World Phenomenon class at Kent State's East Liverpool Campus, and for a class project, she created photographs of what it is like to live with a disability. Babb encouraged Daher to share her project with more people. 

"I was so moved by the imagery and the concept that I asked her if she would like to have an exhibit at The Butler Institute," Babb said. "I approached the curators there and they loved the idea."

Daher is working towards a bachelor degree of technical and applied studies degree with a concentration in applied business through Kent State University at Trumbull and minoring in healthcare systems management. 

Visitors can meet the artists at the opening reception which will be held Sunday, Sept. 12, 1-3 pm. The Butler Institute of American Art is located at 524 Wick Ave. in Youngstown.