ORLANDO, Fla. – This weekend, families can check out a free program at the Orlando Museum of Art that brings creative expression to people with developmental and learning disabilities, as well as those on the autism spectrum.
The program is called Creative Connections. It’s a free event for people of all ages.
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The Curator of Education at the museum said the program was first started in 2012 by the previous educator, Jan Clanton.
“She saw there was a lack of arts enrichment programs for people in our community with developmental and physical disabilities (including ADHD, Down Syndrome, vision impairment, and those on the autism spectrum). She designed this program for whole families to interact in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere within a museum gallery setting, which they might not otherwise be able to experience on their own,” said Jane Ferry.
Creative Connections has several free events on select Sundays. The second event is this Sunday.
Ferry said the first event last month received a lot of positive feedback from families who said they plan to return.
“This program was developed to help foster a way for people to express themselves as the arts help people “say” the things they otherwise might not be able to communicate,” she explained.
The event starts with a guided, interactive tour of the museum. Together, they learn about how each art piece is made, the meaning behind them, and then they can share their thoughts. Afterwards, they go to the studio and make art based on what they saw during the tour.
For this Sunday’s event, people will tour the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition and decorate kites inspired by the work of one of the artists featured in it.
“Art can help participants develop fine motor skills, practice problem solving, and interpret or process the world around them in a new way. In a group setting like Creative Connections, creating art together can build social and communication skills, even non-verbally,” Ferry said.
“It also allows for self-expression and independence in a space where there are no wrong answers! This can help build confidence, self-esteem, and even provide an emotional outlet for the participant,” she said.
The event for adults is from noon-1:30 p.m.. Kids and family can attend the program afterwards from 2-3:30 p.m..
Pre-registration is required. Call 407-896-4231 ext. 262 or email education@omart.org to register.