Idaho Parent's Unlimited's
Creative Access Art Center. (It's wonderful - I love it, and perhaps by the end of this blog post, you will too)
On the corner of 8th and Myrtle in downtown Boise, Idaho, you will find the Creative Access Art Center, and the offices of some very amazing and dedicated people. These fine folks partake in educating, empowering, supporting and advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families. I would draw you a picture of how big their hearts are, but I would need a lot more paper.
"Programs they provide have included art workshops, exhibits and educational classes. This includes providing space for the Treasure Valley Artist Alliance monthly meetings and four exhibits per year as well as emerging opportunities such as Music Therapy for children with disabilities, Youth Yoga and Massage Therapy for both parents and children." *
They also share space with Amy Nack with
Wingtip Press, and Arin Aruther with
Arin Arthur Textiles. CAAC participates in First Thursday Artwalk Events, offers classes such as Musical Tuesdays with
Gayle Chapman and Acting lessons with
Sandra Cavanaugh. On top of that, they provide Inclusive Summer Art Camps - everything from printmaking, sculpture, dance, public art tours and more!
"In 2011, with help from a grant from the State Independent Living Council's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, CAAC's Master Apprentice Artist Program was underway. This unique mentorship program allowed Master Artists to work with Apprentice Artists in developing technique; guide them with vital connections to the local arts community and fostered personal and professional growth. This program is aimed at providing opportunities for employment for artists with disabilities." *
Is your heart melting yet?
This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is more. How about these highlights from their Artist in Residence Program -
Teaching Artist Sandra Cavanaugh taught residencies in playwriting at Boise High school as well as Mountain View Elementary. Students at Mountain View enjoyed a three week theater workshop in playwriting, producing and performing a revised version of Robin hood. Students from special education and general educations classes combined to create and perform a play for over 200 delighted audience members.
Matthew Jordan, a certified music therapist, lead a music residency at Valley View Elementary. Students learned how to create an original piece of music as well as reaped the benefits of active listening exercises and musical games. During the residency students with disabilities were supported by peer mentors from another classroom which facilitated new friendships, teamwork skills and musical abilities for all students.
Megan Brandel, prima ballerina and teaching artist, is currently conducting a movement and dance residency at Garfield Elementary. Students with visual impairments have developed greater body awareness, coordination, and spatial awareness, as well as increased self esteem and social skills. Students will perform their new dance moves at a recital for their classmates and friends this spring. *
For the past two years, I have had the pleasure to donate works of art for their charity fundraiser to support their programs. 2013 really showed the support of the community, with over 100 gorgeous panels of art created by local artists up for grabs in the "Art for Art, A Night on the Boardwalk" event.
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| 2013 Flyer |
The following images of the "Art for Art - A Night on the Boardwalk "were captured by Patty Payton.
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| Everyone had a different colored wristband. When a color was called, seven minutes were allotted to snatch the tag of the panel desired for purchase. |
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| Art can't stop, even for a minute! |
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| Getting a closer look; there was so much to see! |
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| A long hair and the Westins admiring the works of Lauren T Kistner |
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| Artist Katherine Bajanova Grimmet next to her donated work |
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| Who wouldn't be excited to see these smiling faces bringing truffles? |
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If anyone knows who this classy lady is...
Look, her outfit matches my paintings! |
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| Artist Chieshenam Westin caught in conversation |
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| Heather Skinner, Will Spearman & Angela Lindig |
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| Artist Karen Bubb- Public Arts Manager at Boise Dept of Arts & History |
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| Mrs. & Mr. Lindig. Angela is the Executive Director for IPUL and CAAC. One heck of a motivated and inspiring woman |
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| This guy was awesome. |
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Outside, waiting patiently for our colors to be called so we could bulldoze in and purchase our favorite pieces of art! No host bar inside - Hor Dourves circulating and the musical talents of Sandra Cavanaugh & Rex Miller playing in the tent.
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I wish I would have remembered to bring my camera; unfortunately I can't find images of Megan Brandel's
Open Arms Integrated Dance Group's performance for the night. It was stellar! It truly was an excellent night of community and culture.
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| Magic Makers - Staff, Board, Advisory Committee Members |
"The CAAC extends opportunities for artists both with and without disabilities -birth through adulthood - to create, showcase, and sell art in an inclusive facility. Sometimes you'll see our own programming at the CAAC; sometimes you'll see exhibitions of others that are aligned with our mission: We support, empower, educate, and advocate to enhance the quality of life for Idahoans with disabilities and their families. "
The Creative Access Art Center opened the site containing gallery, art and class space, along with the administrative offices of Idaho Parents Unlimited and VSA in December 2010 in BoDo, the downtown warehouse/shopping district, at 500 S. 8th St. on the corner of 8th and Myrtle. *
The center is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
* exerpts from the CAAC website
