Our objective is to ensure a fun and life-enriching experience for each participant.

The following practices outline our approach:

Our class instructors are professionals in their fields who have a deep interest in and compassion for people with developmental disabilities.

All of our programs and events are inclusive. Members of the general population are encouraged to take our programs, volunteer, and attend our events. We believe in the importance and positive impact of including and valuing people with developmental disabilities in our communities.

We have small class sizes to make sure that each student receives maximum individual attention.​​

​​Our instructors work closely with family members and agency staff to customize teaching approaches and best meet the needs of each student.

Here are the general classes we teach.

Painting

Students learn a specific process of acrylic painting as they work on the same piece from blank canvas to completion.  Along the way, instructors will introduce aspects of color theory, perspective, and various approaches to paint application, always mindful of each student’s capabilities. 

At the conclusion of the course, the finished paintings will be presented in a public group show or an online art critique for family, friends, and the general community.

Photography

Students learn aspects of experimental, point and shoot photography as they are taught how to see the world around them in a new way. This includes learning how to capture motion, take interesting portraits, create a personal and meaningful still life, and notice the small details in nature and other subject matter, while applying various techniques offered by the teacher.  

At the conclusion of the course, specific photographs will be presented in a public group show or an online art critique for family, friends, and the general community.

Collage/Mixed Media

Students discover and explore a wide range of artistic processes and materials, as they create surreal scenes, magical landscapes, and nonsensical portraits. Under the guidance of a professional teacher, participants will cut out images from old magazines, books, and cards, to be uniquely placed and secured on a cardboard background. Acrylic paint, magic markers, and oil pastels will also be used in various ways, while students exercise self-expression during the creation of their art piece.

At the conclusion of the course, the finished collages will be presented in a public group show or an online art critique for family, friends, and the general community.

Music Performance

Students work with experienced musicians as they learn how to improvise musically in a group performance environment. They are given the opportunity to explore different instruments and discover their strengths and interests, and then under the guidance of the teacher, work together to create musical pieces. 

At the conclusion of the course, students will perform in a live or pre-taped showcase event or have an open rehearsal for family and friends.

Land Art

Students meet at various outdoor locations where they use materials of the Earth found onsite—including rocks, vegetation, soil, and water—to create different kinds of artwork. Students are given the opportunity to closely explore their environment, taking notice of the small details in nature, as they “rearrange” the landscape to form temporary sculptures, secret gardens, gnome houses, and other outdoor installations. Throughout the process, the teacher provides guidance and ideas regarding the usage of materials and the overall design of each project.

During each class, photographs are taken of our student’s creations. At the conclusion of the course, these photographs will be presented in a public group show or an online art critique for family, friends, and the general community.

Movement

Students learn basic yoga asanas (poses) and breath work techniques designed to help them develop flexibility, strength, and balance. Each class is customized to address the needs of the students, and modified poses (e.g., chair yoga) are also taught for those who require alternatives.

In past years we have offered various additional workshops not listed above, including sketch comedy, singing, songwriting, and film.  Going forward we are excited to revisit these art forms from the past, while expanding our creative offerings to include classes that focus on the writing and acting process.  

 

The artistic category of workshops we offer is driven by the needs of our students and accessibility to professional instructors who meet our high standards and bring expertise in a specific area of creativity.