Please watch our video from the 2012 Multicultural Forum on Diversity in the Workplace. Get a behind the scenes look at all the effort that went into the installation at the Minneapolis Convention Center!

Freeing the Creative Spirit through Facilitated Art

Since its launch in 1999, the goal of the Creative Arts Program has been to make it easier for people with disabilities to be artistically creative. This innovative program removes barriers to creative expression by providing a wide range of arts opportunities and a facilitated approach to helping the Artists create their art.
 

What is Facilitated Art?
Facilitating art means creating an environment, through adapted techniques and tools, that allows the artist to control the creative process. With minimal assistance from the Facilitator, artists choose the art medium, colors and techniques they prefer and freely create their own artwork. Adapted techniques and adaptive tools are used whenever necessary (i.e., headbands, brushes, easels, etc.). Each artist receives both group and one-on-one instruction and facilitation. The Art Facilitators are on staff to teach, help the Artists develop their skills and to challenge them artistically.
 

Who can participate?
The Creative Arts Program is offered at all five program centers and is available to everyone in the DT&H and Autism Programs. Participation is voluntary and art program services are delivered according to the clients’ choice.
Artists work with the facilitators to adapt tools and art media to their artistic vision.
 

Community Outreach
MSS actively works to provide opportunities for participants in the Creative Arts Program to exhibit their work and perform in venues around the Twin Cities. Recent exhibits include:

• Sister Kenny International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities
• Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank
• Christ the King Lutheran Church Art Gallery
• University of St. Thomas Art Gallery
• Perpich Center for the Arts
• Midwest Special Services Agency Centers
• 2009 Minnesota State Autism Conference

Artists have also performed the following plays and concerts:

• Saving Moonrise – One-act play at Christ the King Lutheran Church
• Secret in the Garden – One-act play at Christ the King Lutheran Church
• Contest Between Fire and Rain – African Folk Tale at Celebration Church
• Homesteader’s Daughter or Terrible Trouble in Two Tree Texas – Melodrama at the 4-H building on the Minnesota State Fair Grounds
• Ensemble hog-nosed psaltry concert – performed at the Midwest Special Services Annual Meeting
   

MSS’ outreach program includes opportunities to both educate and learn from the Twin Cities community.
 

Artists' Benefits

What can you gain from participation in the
Creative Arts Program?

• Become part of the lively Twin Cities arts scene
• Learn from professional artists
• Experience a wide array of art mediums
• Grow and develop as an artist
• Learn from and provide feedback to peers
• Opportunities to perform and exhibit your work around the Twin Cities
• Artwork ownership
• Opportunities to sell your work

 
Art Media
Artists can choose from a wide array of media to express their creativity such as:
 

 
To explore how you can participate in the Creative Arts Program, contact:
Michelle Dickerson at mdickerson@mwsservices.org or at 651-454-9010