Center for Disabilities Studies sets annual art workshop

2:38 p.m., Aug. 28, 2013--The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) of the University of Delaware will hold its annual Artfest art workshop on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The purpose of the workshop is to give individuals with disabilities an opportunity to create artwork that will be used for the center’s 2012-13 annual report calendar. Past annual reports have also included artwork created by people with disabilities at CDS-sponsored art workshops.

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Lisa Bartoli, founder of the Art Therapy Express Program Inc., and Jen Easterday of Art Studio 4:10 will lead the art workshop. It will take place in the gymnasium of Absalom Jones Community Center in Newport, Del., where Bartoli’s art studio is part of the fine arts education center of New Castle County's Department of Community Services. Additionally, students from Delcastle Technical High School will also be involved in this year’s event. 

Artfest participants are able to select from both traditional and nontraditional tools, including large floor rollers, textured mitts and other adaptive technology. Projects this year will include painting a mural with wheelchairs, as well as many other unique and interesting projects. 

Students in UD’s disabilities studies minor traditionally volunteer to help the program participants. They learn techniques for adapting materials, equipment and teaching styles to enable everyone to participate fully in the event.

CDS is inviting individuals with disabilities to register to participate in the workshop and UD students to help at the workshop. There is no charge for the program, but registration by Sept. 20 is required. Participants and volunteers can register by completing the online form at bit.ly/cdsartfest or by contacting Katie Hoffman at 302-831-3632 or khoffman@udel.edu. 

About the Center for Disabilities Studies

The mission of the Center for Disabilities Studies is to enhance the lives of individuals and families through education, prevention, service, and research related to disabilities. The center promotes independence and productivity so individuals and families can fully participate in the life of their communities in Delaware and beyond.

The Center for Disabilities Studies is one of many centers and programs at UD’s College of Education and Human Development.

CDS supports the well-being, inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities and their families.

For further information, visit the CDS website, email ud-cds@udel.edu or call 302-831-6974. The center also has a Facebook page with news and updates for Delawareans with disabilities.

Article by Katie Hoffman