The ArtWorks Program offers professional visual arts instruction to artists with developmental disabilities in a supported art studio environment. Artists are encouraged to work independently to develop their own creative styles, to explore self-expression, and to build social skills and self-esteem. Emphasis is placed on increasing participation in the community and recognition of the artists through the exhibition and marketing of their art in local and international galleries.
What kinds of activities take place?
- Each individual explores their unique creative style and develop a body of work
- Participation in group and solo art exhibitions - local, regional, national and international
- Art making skills are developed
- Art education - history and appreciation
- Visits to artist studios, art galleries, museums and art openings
Art Exhibitions - Local
- Martin Batchelor Gallery, Victoria – Annual Exhibition
- Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria – Annual Exhibition
- Carol James Community Office – Annual Exhibition
- Saanich Municipal Hall - Annual Exhibition
- Emily Carr House – Annual Exhibition
- Langham Court Theatre
- Garth Homer Boardroom Gallery
- McPherson Library Gallery, University of Victoria
- University Heights Theatre, Victoria
- Pandora Art Centre
- Island Blue Print Art Store
- Bagels on Broad
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Moss St. Paint-In
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria – Art Rental
- St. Ann’s Academy
- Victoria Conference Centre
- Luther Court
- Canadian Art Therapy Association
- Look Exhibition, Eatons Centre
- Community Living BC
- Church of the Advent
- Open Space Gallery
Art Exhibitions - National
- Diane Farris Gallery, Vancouver
- Round House Community Centre Gallery, Vancouver
- Pendulum Gallery, Vancouver
- Bowen Island Community Arts Council Gallery
- Mainstream Association, Vancouver
Art Exhibitions - International
- First Street Art Centre, Claremont, California
- Project Ability, Glasgow, Scotland
- NPO Health Care Arts Centre, Japan
Art Partnerships and Resources
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (Moss Street Paint-In, Art In Bloom Art Auction)
- District of Saanich Community Services
- Society for Disability Arts and Culture, Vancouver
- National Institute for Arts and Disabilities, Richmond, California
- Project Ability (Scotland)
- Creativity Explored, San Francisco, California
- In Definite Arts Centre, Calgary, Alberta
- Project Ability, Scotland
- National Down Syndrome Society, Calgary, Alberta
Publications
- Thrifty Foods Year 2000 Community Calendar
- Artwork featured in: Art Smarts: Inspiration and Ideas for Canadian Artists with Disabilities
Feedback from the community
- Dawn Beaulieu – parent
- “Since he has joined the ArtWorks Program, Bill has learned to think more creatively and we have seen a new found self-confidence which assists him in every day living.”
- Robert Amos –Times Colonist – art critic
- “A quiet hum of creative concentration pervaded the fully equipped ArtWorks studio space, a studio any artist would be delighted to work in. It was clear from the start that these are people with artistic ability who are committed to making art.”
- Danielle Hogan – Monday Magazine
- “There is certainly a subject to suit everyone’s taste in this show (Martin Batchelor Gallery 2006), and the participating artist deserve strong praise for their inspirational creations”
- Other Artworks art collectors
- “These are like windows into another world. Thank you for showing and sharing them.”
“Really appreciate the color, the different art styles and the presentation.” “Great exhibition. Superb artists!”
- Artists with Disabilities find doors opening through ArtWorks
- "Social skills, self esteem, and community involvement result from this specialized program which is lauded as a leader in it’s field in B.C. and across Canada.” - Kate Cino, Art Writer, Boulevard Magazine
- “Thanks for bringing the arts and human services together”.
- Guest attending the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria ArtWorks Holiday Exhibition, “Trees the Season”
- “Let all of our doctors, lawyers, accountants and dentists know about these delightful, cheerful paintings.”
- R.M.Taylor
- “Great Show again! It is always a joy to see your work!”
- Michael Fox, Garth Homer Board Member
What some of our clients have to say
- Jamie Koerner – client
- "I like it here. It's good for me."
- David Whiting – client
- “Since I’ve been in the ArtWorks Program I have made lots of friends and many people have told me they want to come and see my art exhibitions”
- Katherine Wood – client
- “I had my first solo exhibition at the Emily Carr House this year and signed an artist contract with Curator, Jan Ross. Visitors from all over the world saw my work, it was very nice.”
- Greg Robertson – client
- “My dream is: I will be a young man wearing a black suit at art openings. I like art the best.”
- Tanya Steinhausen - client
- "It is important to me to show my work in the community. My favorite thing is selling my work. I am working on a solo exhibition.”
