"EP!Casso History"

The EP!C staff members managing this project have college degrees in Art Education, Fine Arts, and Recreational Therapy. They also have a total of 36 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and have the knowledge and expertise necessary to adapt art activities to meet the needs of participants of varying abilities.  EP!C has been offering formal art classes since 2008, when a grant from the Community Foundation for the Creative Legacy project was awarded.  This project to teach painting techniques to seniors with disabilities was the catalyst that marked the beginning of EP!C’s art program.  The project was so beneficial for the individuals participating that EP!C has continued to expand art offerings ever since!    In 2011, EP!C converted a classroom into a permanent art studio.

A collaboration in 2012 between EP!C and Pearce Gallery in Dunlap resulted in the first ever show of work produced by EP!C artists.  EP!C individuals were thrilled to see their original works of art on display, and for sale, in the community. EP!C has also collaborated with a number of local art studios where EP!C students completed projects, including Wheel Art Pottery Studio, the Art Garage, and Created Just By Me Pottery and Art Studio.  The late Mike Pozar, a local artist, provided painting instruction to EP!C artists.  Volunteers from the community and service organizations, like AmeriCorps, volunteer in the art classroom on a regular basis.

This program aligns within the CFCI element of "Art Integration" by providing a typically under served population with a better quality of life through education and exploration in the visual arts.

In 2013, EP!C was fortunate to be awarded a Community Arts Grant from Community Foundation of Central Illinois to help expand its existing art project, EP!Casso, to provide the individuals in the Educational Services program greater opportunities for learning, self-expression and personal growth through original art and various media forms.  Daily art classes where held, serving 108 individuals to date, who explored the following technique

In 2014, EP!C would like to further enhance the EP!Casso project by adding new art offerings.  Art classes would again be offered daily, serving 120 individuals with developmental disabilities over the course of a year.  In addition to ongoing art projects, participants would continue to learn about art history, color and composition, and the principles of design.  Participants would also get to explore other art techniques and forms of media currently not offered.  Participants will also have the opportunity to experience art in the community through visits to museums, art galleries and art shows, and have opportunities to display their art in the community. 

Printmaking is a medium that is easily managed by individuals with limited strength and mobility, and is a favorite activity.  At the present time, EP!C’s ability to offer print making has been limited to the use of Styrofoam food trays etched with images and then hand pressed onto paper.  This method is extremely inefficient, images produced are of lower quality, and Styrofoam breaks down over multiple impressions.   EP!Casso  would like to purchase a professional etching press to explore relief print making techniques using linoleum tiles.  Ongoing expenses of the EP!Casso Art program are supported by sales of artwork in the community.  By having a professional press and materials in-house, individuals will be able to gain a much clearer insight into print making techniques, mass produce high quality work at a considerable savings, and be able to sustain the program through increasing sales revenue.                        

The EP!Casso project serves 120 adults ages 22 – 93 with disabilities ranging in severity from mild to profound, and with diagnoses of cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and Down’s Syndrome.  Many individuals also have very significant physical challenges, vision or hearing disabilities, or mental illness.   Many individuals are wheelchair users or require adaptive equipment and/or staff assistance to fully participate in art activities.  Art therapy provides many benefits for people with developmental disabilities:

• Art provides a new language for the verbally challenged and helps develop the use of symbols as tools for communication.
• Art is a fun way to develop cognitive skills including, improvement of memory, prioritization, planning, and organization.
• Art enhances self-esteem and self-awareness.
• Art helps people identity and express their emotions and feelings
• Art activities help improve fine motor skills
• Art provides a healthy outlet for anger and frustration.