In honor of March’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, Richland Newhope Industries, Richland Mall and Element of Art Studio/Gallery sponsored the Fourth Annual Bringing the Elements Together Art and Exhibition which showcased the works of individuals supported by Richland Newhope.
The art and talent show featured a plethora of crafts and artwork, including dancing, drawing and singing. There were also performances by the Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. Dance Troupe, the Sparkles cheerleaders and several vocalists and musicians.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity for us to showcase the artistic side of those we support whether it’s through the artwork or through performing,” said Jane Imbody, Director of Community Relations at Newhope.
The Richland Newhope Industries Inc. Dance Troupe helped to kick off the event at Richland Mall on Friday by doing several dance routines to popular and dance hip hop music. The dance troupe began four years ago and has about nine members said Aurelio Villa Luna Diaz, support specialist, director and choreographer for the dance troupe.
As the group members traded places in the spotlight dancing, other group members danced and sang the songs in the background.
“I think that the more the community has seen the dancers, I think the more that people could not define a person by the condition that they have,” said Diaz.
Diaz said the dance troupe has performed at local schools and besides “breaking down the dance moves,” the group has broader goals of speaking out against bullying and promoting inclusiveness for all people.
Element of Art Studio and Design, 96 N. Main Street, Mansfield, has 85 contracted artists who are adults who receive services from Newhope. The artists are bused to the art studio on a weekly/quarterly basis to express themselves through whatever medium of art their heart desires. There were paintings, pottery, glass and acrylic ware, handcrafted jewelry and other artistic pieces on display and for sale.
“It’s good for community integration,” said Kathy Goodwin, who oversees the art studio and gallery. “We have art openings the first Friday of the month and we usually get anywhere from 100 to 120 people every month.”
Goodwin said all the employees that are affiliated with Newhope and get paid full wages. Jessica Reinhart is an artist who also works at the studio/gallery. She has been working at the studio/gallery since it opened four years ago. Reinhart created an abstract piece with a purple background with yellow and white stripes drizzled about the canvas.
“I like to paint,” she said.
The 25-year-old is also a part of the dance troupe and has been a captain of the group since its inception four years ago.
“I’ve always liked to dance,” she said. “It’s so much fun being around my friends.”
Reinhart said she does not have any problems picking up the dance steps. It just comes natural to her.
Petey F., who lives in one of Newhopes residential homes, displayed a new form of art through technology. Although confined to a wheelchair, Petey, drew art on his iPad which was being displayed on a flat screen television. The artwork can later be transferred onto shirts, cups, and other items.
When asked what he liked to draw on the iPad, Petey replied, “cars.”
Petey, 26, said he also likes to watch movies and listen to the police scanner on his new iPad.
Something new this year was the addition of “live art,” Imbody said. Local artists Raymond Shaw and Joe Hill were drawing head shots of anyone who sat in the chair in front of them.
“I really enjoy it,” Shaw said of his drawings and paintings.
Hill, who said he just recently started drawing, said he always liked to draw and got inspiration from his Aunt Kitty.
“I’m just born with it, I guess,” Hill said of his abilities.
There will be one more event on March 20 when community leaders will participate in a simulation of having a disability.
“This event really lives up to the theme for developmental disabilities awareness month, which is Ability@Work,” added Imbody. “It also provides an opportunity to involve the entire community in an awareness month activity.”
“It’s good for community integration,” said Kathy Goodwin, who oversees the art studio and gallery. “We have art openings the first Friday of the month and we usually get anywhere from 100 to 120 people every month.”
