Creativity Without Barriers: Art for All
Staff and people served by S:US.
In commemorating International Day of People with Disabilities, we join the global community in celebrating the talents, perspectives, and leadership of people with disabilities while recognizing the systemic barriers they continue to face, especially around inclusion and access. At S:US, we strive to create opportunities that break down those barriers and open doors to enriching experiences.
Recently, people served with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), along with staff from S:US’ Day Habilitation Programs, visited The Jewish Museum for a private tour of their galleries and participated in an art workshop. The tour was led by Rachel Alban, Coordinator of Access Programs and an Arts Educator at the museum, along with support from Junhan Shen, an Education Intern. Participants viewed several pieces of art including a glass sculpture representing traditional Shabbat items, a velvet curtain made to cover a large arc, a wedding dress with a layer underneath inscribed with names of women from the Jewish Archive, and six painted canvases suspended from the ceiling with support from wires. Rachel shared color and cloth swatches to help us identify and discuss the material and hues of the artwork. After visiting the galleries, each person was invited to make a smaller curtain, as an homage to the larger one viewed in the gallery, in a studio inside the museum. The materials included felt panels with attachable felt pieces in brightly hued colors. Once each participant completed his or her piece, Rachel encouraged each artist to discuss their work, its meaning, and inspiration.
The joy and enthusiasm were palpable in the room and each participant wants to return for a future visit. Support was provided by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Darren, Andrea, and Andrew, in addition to Yvette McBean, Program Director, Lori Lerner, Coordinator of Family and Wellness, Laura Van Bloem, Vice President of Communications & Marketing, and Perry Perlmutter, President & CEO.
For many of the participants, it was their first time ever visiting an art museum and they loved it so much that many hope to return for a future visit.
Anthony, a person served who attends S:US’ Manhattan WOW program shared, “Yes, I want to go back to the museum again! I hung up my artwork in my bedroom so that I can see it daily.”
His friend, Mike, stated, “I liked the museum. It was peaceful when we walked around and the hallways were quiet. The museum had a lot of space, was spacious, had a lot of decorations, stuff from the past and character. I want to go back. Next time, I hope to see more rooms and different artwork.”
Another friend, Alexis, voiced, “I liked it. I draw at home and I liked making art at the museum. It was my first time going to an art museum. I showed my piece to my mom who liked it! I put it on my bedroom wall; I want to visit again.”
Andrew, a DSP who supports them at S:US’ Manhattan WOW program, said, “The staff at the museum were so gracious with us which helped make it a great experience. The people that we support have creative minds and they like to be hands on and draw a lot. On our way to the museum, I reminded them to have open minds to new art and images during our visit.
I hope to return with them again.”
Yvette McBean, the Program Director at S:US’ 5th Avenue DHP, expressed, “It was a great experience. I enjoyed seeing the participants view the art and share their insights about their own designs. When they put their artwork together, I could see more deeply what they wanted to share. When I saw that they were happy with this new experience and interacted with the museum’s staff, it was so nourishing to me. It was a reminder that people can be so creative, not just with drawing and painting, but with putting materials together to make art – with a dress, with a glass sculpture. It doesn’t need to be perfect to be art. It is diversity to be celebrated – we are a nation of such diversity and there is so much diversity within the art. I am grateful that we had an opportunity to visit the museum, and I hope that we can visit again.”
We are grateful to Rachel Alban, Coordinator of Access Programs and an Arts Educator, Junhan Shen, an Education Intern, and all of the staff at The Jewish Museum, for hosting our participants and staff for such an enriching morning at the museum. We hope to return for another session in the future!
