My husband Bob and I have used some finances from our personal income to support our program’s needs until the recent time. Now we feel the need to ask for help from other sources. The art classes and facilities served have increased, so we are using many more art supplies and materials. Two additional facilities have contacted us recently about providing classes.
We have used the sporadic donations from friends in the community and our small income from the ($25) group class fees that we charge to facilities, to purchase art material needed for the classes. We have found that this fee is the maximum that we can expect from the facilities we serve. We use a lot of computer ink in making the greeting
cards, bookmarks, designed canvas bags, magnets etc. We use invitation envelopes, lamination sheets, button magnets, and other supplies, along with markers, paper, paint, etc., for the classes.
A small portion of the money is used for transportation expenses and to reimburse the executive director for picking up and taking home several participants in the new class at the Studio Art Center in South Bend
The co-founders truly enjoy providing the classes even though there are no surplus funds available for personal reimbursement for the many hours they spend in class and those beyond class time, when they mat and market client’s work. They are not in this for the money but for the joy it brings to the many people served!
Art-ability is the only organization with this type of inclusive art program in the Michiana area. Our hope is that soon we will be able to improve the variety and quality of art created in our classes. Cards, bookmarks and magnets are made out of the artist’s scanned work and then given to the artists at no charge. Work is framed for art shows when funds are available. Some of the magnets and canvas totes are brought to be sold at art receptions held at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Niles Fisher Gallery, and now the Studio Art Center in South Bend. The executive director has also started speaking to groups who are interested in finding out more about the art program. Artwork has also been displayed and sold at the Civitan, and Granger Rotary Club’s meetings, etc. This helps, in a small way, to generate funds. Art-ability is looking for new ways to continue to grow and accommodate the increasing demand for this innovative and inclusive art program for adults with various disabilities.
The co-founders are both artists and they feel they have a mission to assist adults with various disabilities, an underserved population, to enjoy the experience of creating visual art. Loretta Kaser, the Executive Director of Art-ability has a Bachelor of Art Degree in Studio Art from Bethel College (1998) and has been working full-time at Anthony Wayne Services (a service provider for developmentally delayed individuals), as a caregiver since 2000. The co-founders have a wonderful, artistic, 34year old dual-diagnosed son, Chris Lawson, who inspired them tobegin this program. Chris has blossomed into quite a great artist and is always featured in art shows.
Art-ability brings a portable art studio to facilities that provide services for adults with mental and or, physical limitations, such as retirement homes, nursing homes and facilities that aid adults with disabilities. Several times a year we mat and show the artists work and have a small reception with music and refreshments. Once a year certificates of completion are presented to the artists. At least twice a year shows are provided at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Mishawaka. Art-ability also has a show once a year at the Fisher Gallery in Niles, and one at the Studio Arts Center in South Bend.
Art-abilities’ art shows now include visual art completed by individuals served by eight facilities in the Michiana area. Artwork created by two artists that are given private classes because of extra special needs will also be in our displays. The facilities served are: Tanglewood Trace, (a retirement home), Woodridge (formerly Shamrock Gardens), an assisted living facility), Anthony Wayne Services, (A Wayne Advantage, a day program at St. Peter’s Church) Hubbard Hill Estates, Countryside Place, Fountainview Place, St. Paul’s Retirement Community, and Corvilla’ Bulla St home, who will all have art created by their residents on display at several art shows in the local area. The artwork is created by individuals with various limitations, such as autism, physical limitations (such as poor sight and or hand coordination) and many other levels of special needs.
Please consider financially supporting our organization or by volunteering in our classes. We are fervent in our quest to encourage “Art-ability” for everyone!
Sincerely,
Bob and Loretta Kaser
Founders of Art-ability
