Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore recently received the “Cultural AccessAward” from Art-Reach of Philadelphia for their Artfulness program. The program brings art to the seniorsand people with disabilities who attend Easterseals adult day programs. Throughout the pandemic shutdown,the Artfulness program continued their work virtually and were able to engage a wider audience in all ofEasterseals day programs in the state.
“Being awarded the Member Agency Award for Cultural Access for Easterseals Artfulness program solidifiesthe impact that this program has on our participants and the community at large. Inclusion in all aspects oflife, including art, is what we strive for at Easterseals every day. This program allows people of all abilities tostay engaged and a part of their community,” Alex Older, Easterseals Workforce Development Specialist, said.“We are so honored to be recognized by Art-Reach for the consistent, creative programming we are able toprovide to Easterseals participants.
”Easterseals Artfulness is in its fourth year and has provided close to 100 in-person and virtual art/culturalworkshops for adults with disabilities. Art-Reach’s unique roster of artists provides adapted art workshopsproviding the ability for any adult, in any day program, to participate and join in the activity. Some activitiesinclude: dancing, creating with paint or clay, or visiting a museum.
Averil Barone, an artist through Art-Reach, has been hosting “Averil’s Watercolor Workshop” at Eastersealsfor several years. She said, “I have had a wonderful time coming up with ideas of what to paint which wouldbe enjoyable for all. This program has impacted my life in many ways. I’m genuinely amazed by the talent ofothers. I love spreading knowledge, hope, confidence and encouragement to those I teach. And what I get inreturn are big electric smiles, pride and amazing watercolor paintings.
”The program has been incredibly impactful for Easterseals participants, like Joe Whiteside who said,“Everyone gets involved, which is important. It shows us what we are able to do with pretty basic materials. Ilove being creative and making art and this program allows me to do that. My favorite art piece is the one Idid for my Mom for Mother’s Day out of clay. I liked making that for her and she loved it as a gift!
”The Artfulness program is available to Easterseals participants thanks to the “Bill Adami Fund forInnovation”. The Easterseals Bill Adami Fund is established at the Delaware Community Foundation. Anyoneinterested in more information or to donate, contact Christina Kelleher of Easterseals at 302-221-2066 or ckelleher@esdel.org.
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is leading the way to an inclusive community through its innovative services, which include: children’s therapies, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, supported employment, senior services, recreational camping, respite services, and services for caregivers. To learn more about Easterseals, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.
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