The Windsor Art Center featured an exhibit of ArtSparks participant’s works from November 19, 2020, through January 9, 2021. ArtSparks: The Emotion of Line, Color, and Space featured fourteen artists from the ArtSparks program: Bill, Carol, Gloria, Dori, Joe, Teresa, Mira, AnneJane, Jane, Charles, Junior, Carolyn, Mark, and Cheryl. Although masks and social distancing were required, the exhibit was open to the public. Notecards featuring the works were available for purchase, as were the paintings themselves. In addition, SockStarz, Harc’s social enterprise, commissioned custom made socks that featured the artwork from two of the ArtSparks artists. The socks were also available for purchase at the exhibit.
Diana Appleton, ArtSparks founder and instructor, hand-picked the pieces for the show. She especially wanted Gloria’s work to be featured. Gloria passed away a few months ago. Her work is so significant that Appleton wanted to be sure it was recognized.
“The beauty of the program is that the participants make art in the truest sense,” said Appleton. “In making and showing their art, our artists have gained a tremendous sense of community involvement with their exhibit, satisfaction in their accomplishments, and pride in seeing their work valued, respected, and purchased.”
The program started in 1995, and its artists’ work has been shown in dozens of exhibits and venues. Collective sales have brought in over $15,000, benefiting Harc and the artists.
You can learn more about the exhibit, check out the public reaction, and more at www.windsorartcenter.org/artsparks/.
Listen to the Artist Talk from Diana Appleton, ArtSparks Founder, by clicking the link below. You can also find out what people are saying about the artists by clicking the image below.
From Diana Minisci Appleton, ArtSparks Founder & Instructor about ArtSparks
ArtSparks was created as part of Harc’s Life Enrichment program, a day program for senior citizens with intellectual disability. In making and showing their art, our artists have gained a tremendous sense of community involvement with their exhibit, satisfaction in their accomplishments, and pride in seeing their work valued, respected and purchased. Artsparks paintings and other products are for sale, and since 1995 the ArtSparks artists have had sixteen dedicated shows and participated in twenty-five group exhibits. They have collectively earned over $15,000 with the sale of their original paintings, benefiting both Harc and themselves.
About Harc:
Harc, Inc. was founded in 1951 by parents of children with intellectual disability, long before programs and services were available. We help people with intellectual disability and their families by advocating for their human and civil rights and by providing community-based services throughout their lives. Their grassroots efforts led to partnerships with generous individuals and corporations to raise funds and create life-changing programs. Harc programs have national accreditation and licenses.
Today, Harc provides special needs support for a lifetime. Harc’s services begin at the birth of a child and support them throughout their life journey with programs such as Early Intervention & Autism Services, Recreation, Summer Camp, Behavioral Health Clinic, Supported Employment, Employment Readiness, Adult Day Services, Elderly Enrichment, Residential Services, Respite Care and Family Support.
To learn how you can support the @WindsorArtCenter or these artists visit: https://harc-ct.org/artsparks-exhibit-at-windsor-art-center/