Birds & Nature
Prints by LifeWorks/ A+ Aspire artists and support partners
Aug 11 – Sept 12
The LifeWorks/ A+ Aspire program provides a well structured, safe social environment for individuals
(age 16+) with developmental disabilities. The 8-week summer session program, based on the model for the Guild’s popular A+ Art Club, brings together local professional artists, art educators along with
community volunteers and assistant A+ Art Club Members. Participants share in the experience of
art-making, friendship and trust. They learn the value of collaboration, being open to new ideas, while developing social and life skills in a supportive setting.
This summer, the nine participants each chose their favorite bird image from some amazing books, and through practice, watching the teacher and their support partner demonstrate, sketched it using their newly acquired sketching techniques.
With their original drawing taped under a piece of plexiglass, they etched/ scratched the bird image into the plate using a metal etching tool. New methods for both participants and support partners!
The third week it was time to ink the plate, soak their 100% rag paper, and wipe the plate- an art in itself! The actual printed image was made by setting the damp paper over the inked plate on the steel bed of the press, covering it will wool felt blankets, and running it all under great pressure through the press. Some participants really loved the opportunity to turn the big press wheel by hand. It took lots of strength!
Voila, what fun EVERY participant had seeing their wonderfully drawn images on the print they turned up-they were so elated! They eagerly tried printing their plate in different colors with varied wiping techniques. Their support partners had guided or demonstrated by trying not to draw on their plates, so each artist had that great sense of pride of accomplishment that comes from doing something well on their own. Were they proud, as well they should be, and a good time was had by all!
Testimonials from Lifeworks/ A+ Aspire Participants
“The LifeWorks/A+ Aspire program has been a wonderful experience for my daughter. Given she has few words and fewer interests I was excited for her to have the opportunity to learn of different ways to express herself. As a parent it was wonderful for me to see how the different mediums we worked with in our class reached her. Although she’s hesitant to use her fine motor skills it was fascinating to see how much effort she made when we did our etchings and how quickly she put her brush to paper when we worked with water colors. The day we learned how to move our bodies working in high, middle and low space at fast and slow was great for her given her most common movements are rehearsed and very repetitious. She even created some new moves of her own and was applauded by the group for doing so.
The added benefit to the class was the focus which was put on community building within the group and total acceptance of all of the participants. We spent valuable time each week getting to know each other in our opening circle and my daughter enjoyed having that “Face time” with the other participants as we shared our likes and dislikes and shared bits of information about ourselves. She will miss the camaraderie of this group but looks forward to A+ Aspire’s next session.”
-Kerste’s Mom
“Chris has been attending Laura Goodwin’s art classes at the Northfield Arts Guild for four years now, with a group from Hastings LifeWorks, and I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to join the group as a volunteer. The classes at the Arts Guild have been a highlight in Chris’ summers. The classes offer some great opportunity for exploring art and movement, and also provide experiences that help to build self-esteem, communication and social skills. Laura is a gifted artist and a wonderful instructor, and she brings in some really interesting guest artists. Volunteers from the A+ program contribute so much to our program and we appreciate their presence and the gifts they share. This year, teaming with A+ Aspire has been fun; it was great to meet and to work together with new friends.”
-Chris’ Mom
“I loved it!” – Tanya
“I really liked the team builders!” -Jacob
“It was so fun to learn and try new things!” -Katie
“It was a very good experience!” -Mel
“Amazing program!” -Rocky
“Very impressive, I hope this type of programming will continue!” -Jiao
“Fun program!” -Sam
“I loved getting to know everyone!” -Aria
Exhibit Sponsor:
2016-17 Season Sponsor:
