WhyArts and the Munroe-Meyer Institute announce “Exploring the Arts,” a series of free art workshops for adults with developmental and other disabilities to be held this fall across Omaha.
Workshops will include topics such as painting, 3D sculpture and theater. All workshops will be led by members of the WhyArts teaching faculty.
“Once people with developmental disabilities have aged out of the school system and the school transition program, opportunities for creative and socially engaging activities can become scarce,” said Carolyn Anderson, director of WhyArts, located at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “WhyArts believes that any ability or age can engage with the arts. But these workshops also offer social engagement and inclusion.”
There will be six classes offered at locations throughout Omaha:
- Painting and Drawing, 10-11:30 a.m., Sept. 6, Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. ;
- Theater, Music and Storytelling, 1:30-3 p.m., Sept. 20, B Side of Benson Theatre, 6058 Maple St.;
- Writing, Bookmaking and More Stories, 10-11:30 a.m., Oct. 4, Urban Abbey, 1026 Jackson St.;
- Clay, 1:30-3 p.m., Oct. 18, Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St.;
- Animation, Video and Garage Band, 6-7:30 p.m., Nov.1, Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6400 University Drive South, University of Nebraska at Omaha campus; and
- 3D Sculpture, 6-7:30 p.m., Nov. 15, Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6400 University Drive South, University of Nebraska at Omaha campus.
“The type of art was chosen that best fits each individual venue,” Anderson said. “And all venues are accessible and safe.”
“We are thrilled to partner with WhyArts to provide an opportunity for adults with disabilities access to a wide array of art mediums throughout the Omaha area,” said Rachel Ray of the Munroe-Meyer Institute. “The goal of the program places a great deal of emphasis on exploring and enjoying the arts, as well as learning the fundamentals of critical thinking through art and self-expression.”
The free classes are offered to adults, aged 18 or older, with disabilities. Participants can register for one or all of the classes; 25 to 30 people can be accommodated in each class.
Reservations are required. For more information or to register, contact Ray at rachel.ray@unmc.edu.
The program is funded through a grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation.