Creative ARTs

Children think nothing of grabbing a paintbrush and painting a picture. But for children with disabilities, like the limited use or control of their arms and hands, such a task is almost impossible.

Some techniques for helping artists with disabilities paint end up creating paintings by another person. By following the direction and choices of the artist, the techniques used in the Hattie Larlham Creative ARTs program create paintings vicariously through another person.

In this way, Hattie Larlham Creative ARTs provides hands to people who have never held a paintbrush before and gives artists, regardless of ability, complete control over their creativity and self-expression.

A combination of art appreciation and application, Creative ARTs engages 62 children and adults at Hattie Larlham in a variety of artistic activities. Although the program initially focused on painting, it has expanded to include photography, sculpting, music, poetry and other forms of artistic expression.

Creative ARTs draws upon the expertise of community artists with an extensive knowledge of a wide array of mediums. Program members also participate in art exposure activities that expand their knowledge of art culture and encourage them to be in the community.

Meet Creative ARTs artists Gail, AJ and Nick.

Process

Hattie Larlham Creative ARTs uses trackers, themselves professional artists, to work with program participants to facilitate the creative process.

Through a dialogue of yes or no questions and answers, the trackers uncover each artist’s creative choices such as color, shape, location and texture. Trackers pay particular attention to all of the artists’ movements and vocalizations to ensure that they correctly interpret the artists’ intentions. Some of the artists will use assistive technology, such as a mounted laser, to even more accurately direct the tracker.

Working one-on-one with people in the program, trackers interpret the artists’ answers and actions as color and brushstrokes. The trackers work very hard not to leave their mark on the final project. It is their job to serve as an intermediary between the artist and the brush. As such, the trackers become an extension of the artist’s tools and supplies.

Using the trackers as tools, each artist is free to paint whatever and however they chose. Learn more about how it's done.

Sales

Throughout the year, the program will present art at various events, galleries and exhibitions. In March 2008, artwork from the program was on display at Humphrey Atrium Gallery at University Hospitals.

Many of the paintings from Creative ARTs are available for sale. A selection of the art is on display in the gallery at Hattie’s Café & Gifts, in Hudson, Ohio. The café is another Hattie Larlham program that supports people with disabilities.

All proceeds from the sale of each painting go directly to the artist. Hattie Larlham does not receive any compensation for its role.

To support the children and art at Hattie Larlham Creative ARTs, contact the development department, or learn more about the Creative ARTs program history.