Arts Access

ArtStart's ArtLife project achieved two outcomes in this area: 1.) to increase opportunities for underserved adults with disabilities to communicate feelings and ideas through art making experiences: and 2.) to increase the knowledge and skills of ArtStart's visual artists in working with special needs populations. These outcomes were monitored and evaluated through informal observations, a reflection journal kept by artists, pre and post surveys given to staff and artists, as well as planning with Lifeworks staff after each eight week session to refine the next set of classes based on feedback. Note we changed the name of the project to ArtLife. ArtStart selected Lifeworks because they came to us initially to develop an 8-week visual arts program inspired by nature for a group of eight adults with developmental disabilities. The model worked very well and both organizations wanted to deepen the relationship to reach other Lifework adults, hence, the ArtLife project. Some activities and art media worked better than others, as participants had such a wide range of abilities and interests. The key to success for artists was the ability to individualize instruction, be flexible and come prepared with one than one idea or medium. It was made very clear by Lifeworks staff that an artist could not miss a session, as maintaining routine and relationship were essential to the well-being of participants. The most challenging aspect of the entire program was the lack of an adequate art facility at two sites. 2: ArtStart's ArtLife project achieved one outcome in this area which was to celebrate and share each participant's unique artistic expression within the Lifeworks family and the greater community. This outcome was evaluated primarily through observation and documentation of participant art exhibited at each site. In addition, ArtLife participants' art work will be showcased at Lifework's annual gala in late April 2013, which is attended each year by 1,000 participants, families, and funders. We were able to reach an additional 550 adults with developmental disabilities through this program model, as well as 1,000 community members who have/will view the art work produced as a result of this program. The program was developed by the executive director in collaboration with Lifeworks administration. The model rotated a group of 8-12 individuals working with an artist team through an 8-week program that met two times per week. Midstream we changed the model to add two more sites and split up the artists who were initially working in teams. Artists felt comfortable working on their own with the support of Lifeworks staff. This adjustment to the program model helped participants bond with a single artist and provided artists with more ownership of their art program at each site.