tom dimaria: yes, so that's the critical question.led art exhibition or that an exhibition by artists, who have disabilities? and we tend to lead with art, saying that, you know, the art is interesting, that's why it's in the museum. but there is a very important lived experience of the artist's disability and the culture of disability that's within the work. reporter: that's the advocacy part. >> that's the advocacy, right. and then once that's happened, you can say, 'okay, the work is on the wall and we're in the art world, and now we have something to say. [applause] reporter: the magnitude of the museum exhibition brought plenty of emotion, including tears - as well as the support people told us they feel among a community of friends. ♪ it all culminated, as every friday afternoon, with a dance party, one more celebration of a special week in making and showing art. for the pbs newshour, i'm jeffrey brown in the san francisco bay area. ♪ geoff: kevin j. patel is a climate activist from los angeles. after experiencing health issues