How Art Builds Community in Quest’s Day Programs for Adults with Disabilities
Picture this: Participants step off a van, eager for the art class ahead. The lesson focuses on mixing tints inspired by artist Henri Matisse. Aprons come on as participants settle in to learn about the history of Matisse’s work before trying the technique themselves. Now, it’s time to get to work.
A New Partnership
Some carefully fold paper squares and paint them exactly as instructed. Others take a different approach, adding their own creative touch along the way. By the end of the lesson, every participant leaves with something uniquely their own. But the class is about more than the finished artwork.
For individuals with developmental disabilities attending Quest’s Adult Day Training Centers, art has long been a popular elective. The new partnership with Creative Hub of Apopka, however, is offering participants the opportunity to learn from artists while exploring the history, techniques and ideas that have shaped art for generations.
Over four months, participants will experiment with visual art, pottery and mixed-media projects. The goal is to encourage curiosity, creativity and most importantly, connection. “I think that art, when people let it, relaxes us and allows us to communicate and get to know each other on a different level,” says Melanie Jankun, President of Creative Hub of Apopka.
Building Community Through the Arts
The sessions have brought together individuals who may never have crossed paths otherwise. While the first month featured lessons at the adult day training center, the second month is giving participants the opportunity to attend classes on site at Creative Hub of Apopka. There, they will work with new instructors and explore different artistic styles. The experience reflects the nonprofit’s goal of building community through the arts while making creative opportunities more accessible.
“There is no wrong in art. I hope the participants gained a lot from the class because I know I did,” says Creative Hub of Apopka instructor Jami Clonts Newman. “It warms my heart to see them all being super creative, and the best part is the relationships we get to grow.”
Word of mouth has increased participation. Individuals have eagerly returned to the training center, sharing stories about the classes and encouraging friends to join. When asked whether they planned to continue with the program, participants responded with enthusiastic thumbs-up gestures and a resounding “yes.”
Roberto, a class participant, is most excited to master new techniques and embrace art as a safe place. “I feel wonderful when I go to an art class. It fills my heart with joy and happiness. If I didn’t have the art class, I would feel down,” Roberto says.
Creating Together
That sense of comfort and belonging has become a common thread throughout the program. Participants are discovering they can create differently while still creating together, encouraging one another, celebrating progress and building pride along the way. Art is the connector.
As Training Center-Apopka Activity Coordinator Clem Daniel explains, “Some of our clients cannot always express themselves in a way that everyone in society can understand, but art doesn’t need specific interpretation. It can just flow. It’s their language.”
Interested in sharing your talents to help create experiences like this? Visit Training Centers – Quest, Inc. to learn more about our day programs for adults with disabilities and how you can get involved.
