Special recreation artists exhibit at Bloomingdale museum
The Bloomingdale Park District Museum is sponsoring the sixth annual Western DuPage Special Recreation Association and Little City Show, an exhibition of work by artists with special needs, through Saturday, April 28.
Often referred to as “outsider art,” these works are produced by nonprofessionals working from a personal vision, outside of the mainstream art world.
WDSRA — a cooperative extension of nine park districts including Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield — serves special populations of all ages, including developmentally delayed, physically challenged and visually impaired.
Dana Stewart, who leads WDSRA's fine arts program, said her mission is to promote the cultural arts, which does not get as much publicity as other programs such as sports and the Special Olympics. With a master's degree in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Stewart has worked in therapeutic recreation for the past 10 years. In addition to her Creative Corner class, WDSRA also offers individual art lessons, which have become quite popular.
“The exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for the participants in our fine arts program to display the work they've done. It gives them an increased sense of self-esteem and allows them to simply enjoy and have fun with it. And they are proud to see their work on the walls,” Stewart said.
“For visitors, the exhibition brings them more awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities. They can see what they are capable of and how they can give back to the community. They are part of our community — their art is a gift and has a positive impact on people who view it. It brings joy to the viewer.”
One of the artists, Jody Holzwarth, said, “Painting is the most fun. I like being with my friends.”
Jody's mother, Rita Flanagan, said the art classes “improve (Jody's) concentration and she has benefitted the most from having a peer group ... it has drawn her out.”
Another artist, Sherry Olsen, said she enjoys the program “because we make fun things, like dolphins and flowers, and learn how to make beaded jewelry.”
The exhibition includes a wide range of work: paintings on canvas, watercolors, pastel drawings, mosaics, ceramic work, sculpture, printmaking, collage and drawing.
Joining WDSRA in Gallery I will be the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association and the Southeast Association for Special Parks and Recreation.
Exhibiting in Gallery II are artists from Little City's award-winning Center for the Arts. Works from Little City artists have been included in shows around the world, including The Museum of Everything in London.
“This exhibition will focus on printing techniques: computer-generated works, silk-screens, intaglios, linoleum cuts, and stamping,” said Frank Tumino, administrator for the Center for the Arts.
The Bloomingdale Park District Museum is at 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale. For details, call (630) 539-3096 or visit bpdmuseum@bloomingdaleparks.org.
If you go
What:Western DuPage Special Recreation Association and Little City art show
When: Through Saturday, April 28; hours are 4 to 8 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road
Cost: $1 for residents, $2 for others, 50 cents for seniors 62 and older and children 12 and younger
Info: (630) 539-3096 or bpdmuseum@bloomingdaleparks.org