MMI Department of Recreational Therapy holds art sale
Artwork produced through programming in the Munroe-Meyer Institute Department of Recreational Therapy was available for purchase at an art sale held by the department on Aug. 27-28.
Coasters, dreamcatchers, planters and candle holders were among the decorated pieces available.
The artwork was produced by youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the:
- Autism Social Club for young adults;
- Adult Evening Respite and Habilitation Program;
- Afterschool Youth Program;
- Saturday Morning Youth Program;
- Leisure Explorers Club, an adult day program;
- Urban Adventure Program, an adult community outing program;
- Girl’s Group, a teen program;
- Arnold Stern Program for teens; and
- Project SCORE, the Westside High School transition program for young adults.
“It’s always exciting to see our clients’ creative work come together in our art programs,” said Erin Bentzinger, adaptive therapy specialist in the MMI Department of Recreational Therapy. “Our annual art sale is an opportunity not only to share their creativity with the institute and the UNMC campus as a whole, but for them to help support the programs that they enjoy.”
The sale raised close to $1,000, said Bentzinger, who called it a success.
“We were able to showcase a variety of collaborative and independent art from all of our programs,” she said. “The funds raised will be used to further enhance the programs. The annual show allows us to offer more visual arts opportunities, and gives the participants a chance to work together on a fun activity with a beautiful outcome.”
Interim Director of Recreational Therapy Nicole Giron calls art an opportunity for full, whole-person expression.
“You can see the talent on display at our art sale,” she said. “We are quite proud to showcase it.”
Proceeds from the sale will go to support MMI recreational therapy art programming for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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