This week I witnessed the power of art, expression and people who we label by disability instead of the quality of who they are, finding a voice. The voice could have been deeply imbedded in the label and the pile of low expecations we at times may have,of we support, and provide services for.
In one of our day services we serve people who happen to have Alzeheimer's Disease, other forms of dementia and memory loss. It was Jackson Pollock day and one of our staff did a presentation on the life of Pollock and focused on his style and methods of painting. Grant it, there was confusion and wonder, as well as questions concerning what was going on. But when it came time to paint, life changed in that room. People shared small canvases along with sticks, brushes, spray bottles and a good supply of house paint. With some encouragement fom the instructor and support to be free to try what they wanted to, the class particpants found their joy and their voice. They painted with huge smiles and in some cases reckless abandon.Laughter and fun bubbled up from a deep place in their memories that can at times be masked, not allowing these feelings of joy and a sense of accomplishment to be realized.
The results indicated that although their was clear interest in the academic part of the event, it was the hands on opportunity that reached them. They acted on impulse and the notion of freedom to create, and they did. As a result, we now have close to a dozen paintings that will be exhibited during an event in March.The event will be an evening of Education, Music and Art. The artists will attend and stand proud next to their creations and though they be challenged to remember making the art,our guests will value them and what they accomplished.
Stretch the limits and don't be afraid to try new things, even if you think its beyond what those you serve can do, or may be interested in. You never know without trying.
JBG
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