Art Class Takes People With Developmental Disabilities to New Artistic Heights

Imagine!, an organization that has been providing supports and services for people with developmental disabilities in Boulder for more than 45 years, is pleased to announce that art created by participants in Imagine!’s C.O.R.E. Innovations Day Program will be displayed at an art show at the Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder, 2590 Walnut St., beginning Friday, August 8, with the opening from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. The name of the show is Relationship in Art.

The art created was born of a fabulous combination of creativity and fiscal responsibility. Many of the artists have limited range of motion in their hands and arms, but through the use adaptive equipment consisting of many common items such as masking tape, dowel rods, clips, cups, non-toxic varnish, and shims, they have created extraordinary works of art. The makeshift devices help to increase the artists’ amount of control and independence, the ease in which they can create their art, and the joy they experience.

Kimberly Donars is an art therapist for the C.O.R.E. Innovations Day programs in Boulder and Longmont. She was pleased and excited to share what has been happening at her art class, and said, “My co-worker, Chris Murphy, recently built some amazing adaptive equipment for our classes. He has constructed easels in three heights in order to accommodate many variations in wheelchair heights and individual physical needs. Chris also created a "stylus" to which we attach drawing and painting tools. I have seen every consumer who has used this adaptive equipment begin to paint and draw perhaps for the first time in many years. Many participants in the classes who were able to do limited amounts of artwork are now able to work for extended periods of time, with more depth, more color, and much more independence. Chris and all the C.O.R.E. staff should be commended for making this possible.”

Chris Murphy is bursting with pride when he talks about the art class. He gives praise to Kimberly Donars for being able to approach the art class with a therapeutic view. One of the most noteworthy results of the participants in the class is that some of the consumers have increased their range of motion because of the increased use of their arms and hands. Chris added, “The amount of delight the consumers experience has also increased.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to check out the fantastic creations by Imagine! consumers. Stop by for the show’s opening on August 8 or visit the Dairy Center for the Arts after the opening over the following couple of weeks to view and support the artistic creations of these dedicated artists.