If you follow any of Bona Vista’s social media, you’ve undoubtedly seen tons of pictures of children and adults doing art activities (and if you don’t, you should). Persons served of all ages and all abilities love to express themselves through the arts. Whether it’s painting, drawing, music, singing or dancing, there’s never a lack of artistic flare throughout our organization. It’s part of what I love most about it.
Although Bona Vista Programs provides opportunities daily for the individuals served in our programs to participate in art-related activities, we wanted to establish a more in-depth art program. That’s how Art for All Abilities – Empowerment through Art was born. Thanks to a start up grant of $2,000 for supplies from Art4Moore and a $6,000 grant from Duke Energy, this program will encourage individuals to participate in eight art classes taught by local artists.
As of this printing, two classes have already taken place with six more scheduled. And, I’m not going to lie, I’m a little jealous. These classes are amazing! Not only do they provide an outlet for expression, but the guest artists are encouraging and complimentary, there’s no “right or wrong” way to complete the project and the amount of pride each person is taking in their work causes your heart to swell.
This unique opportunity is filled with engaging art classes for adult persons served and will teach multiple art mediums, including: canvas painting, watercolors, sculpture, jewelry making and more. “This has been such a fantastic opportunity for our persons served to discover the artist inside each of them,” said Miriam O’Malley-Long, Director of Adult Day Services. “We’ve received such great support from local artists who are willing to donate their time to teach a class. The classes have been so well received, that we are always looking for additional artists to lend their expertise.”
So what happens to all of the art pieces created? I’m glad you asked. Some persons served will take their artwork home to enjoy, while others are submitting their pieces to an artist showcase. This showcase will give the artist the opportunity to have their work critiqued by local judges, show off their talent to the community and even make a little money from the sale of their pieces. That’s right! You can take home a piece of artwork from one of our amazing persons served! Stay tuned for more details about the showcase coming March 2017, but plan to attend! You won’t regret it (and there will be snacks)!
At Bona Vista we look at the whole person. Not just the part that brings them in our doors – whether that’s working in industries, attending preschool, receiving job coaching, participating in our adult day programs or any number of other reasons. The sum of all of the parts makes the whole, right? So if a person is non-verbal or happens to be in a wheelchair, that’s not the whole. It’s just one part. “Art for All Abilities is centered on artistic development, creative self-expression in the visual arts, successful sales for artists, education through engagement, enhancement of self-image and self-respect for each adult who participates in the program,” said Adria Minniear, Vice President of Donor Development.
Since each art medium takes different tools and supplies, community support for this program will be crucial. While we were able to start thanks to the grants, sustainability will rely (in part) on donations and additional grants. If you or your business would like to help further support the Art for All Abilities program, please contact Minniear at 765-457-8273 or aminniear@bonavista.org. If you are an artist willing to donate your time and talents, please e-mail O’Malley-Long at momalleylong@bonavista.org. The smiles in the photos alone will let you know that your support is appreciated!