Center for Disabilities Studies sets art workshop, adds art contest

10:38 a.m., Aug. 30, 2012--The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) of the University of Delaware is holding its annual Artfest art workshop on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The purpose of the workshop is to give individuals with disabilities an opportunity to create artwork that will be used for the center’s 2011-12 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., will again lead the art workshop. It will take place at the Absalom Jones Community Center in Newport, Del., where Bartoli’s Kaleidoscope art studio is part of the fine arts education center of New Castle County's Department of Community Services.

Artfest participants are able to select from both traditional and nontraditional tools, including large floor rollers, textured mitts and other adaptive technology.

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. Arrangements can be made for students who need transportation to the art studio. 

There is no charge for the program, but registration by Sept. 14 is required. Contact Michele Sands at 831-3038 or msands@udel.edu with the name, age and contact information for the person who will be participating in the workshop. Students interested in volunteering should also contact Sands.

In addition to using artwork produced at Artfest for this year’s annual report calendar, CDS is holding a contest and will select art that is submitted by artists with disabilities by Sept. 21. The submission guidelines are posted on the center’s website.

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.

Article by Michele Sands