Special needs artists show off talents at ‘Art in the Garden’
Robin West couldn’t contain her enthusiasm as “low-budget and high-energy” artwork produced by some of her special needs students created a buzz during the Art in the Garden event at the LeMoyne House courtyard in Washington.
She gave artist Ken Yablonski a high-five and big hug when Michele Soyka-Horosko of Washington pulled one of his flowery landscape paintings off the rack and decided to buy it.
“As you can see, they can come up with some nice work and show off their skills,” West said. “We just thought it would be a good mix and they’re actually selling stuff.”
A dozen paintings from nine students attending classes through the Kenneth J. & Shirley Yablonski Arts for Special Needs program were on display Sunday afternoon alongside more than 150 other pieces by professional artists from around the area. The program, which is named in honor of Ken Yablonski’s parents, was invited to join the 21st annual Art in the Garden as a way to expand the exhibit’s appeal this year.
“If we’re going to continue the show, we don’t need to liven it up, but just update it,” said Clay Kilgore, executive director of the Washington County Historical Society, which puts on the fundraising event.
That was good news for West and her program, which she started two years ago to help people with special needs and that meets weekly at LeMoyne Community Center. Most of their artwork uses donated or recycled materials typically sold as fundraisers for local groups, West said.
“It’s a nice mix of people,” West said of the classes that typically include seven men and two women whose ages range from 25 to 72. “It helps them express themselves a whole lot like never before. They’re very proud of their work.”
Soyka-Horosko, an artist herself, was impressed with both the students’ work and their passion for the trade.
“Being special needs doesn’t mean they don’t have creativity within themselves,” Soyka-Horosko said. “They’re free. Too many times, other people think it’s too difficult. (The students) just let their hands do the thinking.”
Kilgore said the Historical Society is beginning a five-year plan to “rebrand” Art in the Garden by reaching out to different groups and younger artists. He added they expect to partner with Ringgold and other high schools, along with Washington & Jefferson College and Waynesburg University, in upcoming years. Students from the LeMoyne Community Center’s Andy Warhol Museum Screen Printing workshop also had several pieces on display this year.
“If we never bring in young artists, the show’s going to go away,” Kilgore said.