Innovative Children’s Arts Program to Promote Inclusiveness

The Arc Otsego has announced a new children’s arts progam called The Art of Play.  Made possible by a $5,000 grant from the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, The Art of Play is an innovative arts learning experience for children with and without disabilities alike. 

Twelve children, ages 5-8 years of age, evenly split between those with and without disabilities, will attend Saturday art classes at The Arc Otsego’s Center for Self Expression.  Each session will be led by a well-known local artist.  Children will listen to a story and then complete a project that through painting, drawing, sculpting, making music, or writing/bookmaking, expresses the theme of the story.   Snacks will be provided by the Center.

Arc Otsego Assistant Executive Director Pat Knuth noted that “Through The Art of Play, we want to foster the spirit that everyone has a valuable talent- regardless of perceived intellectual, physical or creative abilities.  By giving children the opportunity to play together through art, in an atmosphere of inclusiveness, acceptance, and fun, we hope to provide an exceptional learning experience about understanding, acceptance and self-worth that children will carry with them into adulthood.”

Classes will meet at The Arc Otsego’s Center for Self Expression, 73-75 Main St., Oneonta, on Saturdays from 10:00 – 11:00 am beginning May 3.

The schedule is as follows:

May 3:  Zena Gurbo- Story and Faux Stained Glass Project

May 17:  Jo Mish- Storytelling and Dance/Movement

May 31:  Abbey Koutnik- Mime/Storytelling/Movement

June 14:  Doug Jamieson- Story and Watercolor

June 28:  Skip West- Story and Original Songwriting

July 19:  Judy Smith- Story and Visual Art Project

Each individual session is $5.00 and children may be registered for the entire series or just specific sessions.  No one will be turned away because of inability to pay.  However, space is limited and pre-registration is required.   To register or to learn more about The Art of Play, please call 607-432-8595 or visit the website at www.arcotsego.org.  A second series is planned for September.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them.  The Foundation supports communities with inclusive programs and by working with local organizations, creates awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.  Through their Let’s ALL Play inclusive recreational initiative, the Foundation is supporting over 30 recreational programs across the country in 2008.  To learn more about the Foundation visit the website at www.bubelaiken.org.

According to Knuth “We are so pleased to receive this grant from The Bubel/Aiken Foundation.  Inclusiveness is central to our mission and art is one of the best ways accomplish that because art transcends disability.”

The Arc Otsego, a chapter of NYSARC, Inc. and an affiliate of The Arc of The United States is a private, not-for-profit organization offering comprehensive, community-based services, support and programs to individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families throughout Otsego County.