This fall across Omaha, WhyArts and the Munroe-Meyer Institute will host “Exploring the Arts,” a series of free art workshops for adults with developmental and other disabilities.
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. “WhyArts believes 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 with Paula Wallace
Sept. 6
10-11:30am
Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. - Theater, Music and Storytelling with Bill Hoover
Sept. 20
1:30-3pm
B Side of Benson Theatre, 6058 Maple St. - Writing, Bookmaking and More Stories with Felicia Webster
Oct. 4
6-7:30pm
Urban Abbey, 1026 Jackson St. - Clay with Rich Chung
Oct. 18
1:30-3pm
Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. - Animation, Video and Garage Band with Tom McLaughlin
Nov. 1
6-7:30pm
Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6400 University Drive South, University of Nebraska at Omaha - 3D Sculpture with Tom McLaughlin
Nov. 15
6-7:30pm
Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6400 University Drive South, University of Nebraska at Omaha
“The type of art was chosen that best fits each individual venue,” Anderson said. “All venues are accessible and safe.”
The free classes are offered to adults with disabilities age 18 or older. Participants can register for one or all of the classes; 25 to 30 people can be accommodated in each class.
“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.”
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.