Greene Arc clients’ art on display at Bowlby Library
WAYNESBURG – Currently on display at Eva K. Bowlby Public Library are numerous art pieces by citizens of the Greene Arc community. There are more than 30 pieces of unique artistic creations and drawings displayed in the library’s gallery, periodical and young adult rooms, as well as the glass display near the reference department.
The public is invited to attend the Artists’ Closing Reception from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 19. There will be light refreshments served in the gallery. The art will be on display through the end of the month.
Greene Arc is a private, nonprofit agency that provides vocational, residential, day support and advocacy services to citizens with disabilities of Greene and surrounding counties. Its mission is to promote the independence and employment of individuals with disabilities.
Day services include vocational assessment and training, supported employment, adult development training and sheltered employment. Residential services include community living, family living and semi-independent living. Mental health services include psychiatric rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, drop-in center and peer support.
Greene Art – Expressions of Recovery, is for those in mental health recovery. Recovery through art is the deliberate use of art-making to address psychological and emotional needs. Recovery through art uses art media and the creative process to help in areas such as, but not limited to, fostering self-expression, creating coping skills, managing stress and strengthening sense of self.
Cindy Dias, executive director of Greene Arc, and Kyle Hallam, a Greene County artist, have partnered to design and implement an arts-and-crafts program using recycled cardboard as one of the art mediums.
A recycling service for Greene County is one of Greene Arc’s programs, which help to train clients to function in the workplace. Greene Arc recycles newspaper, office paper, cardboard, cans, plastics and glass.
Cardboard was the chosen material to be used because of its abundant supply, ease of use and various colors and textures. Using safe and odorless glues for assembling, and simple cutting methods (scissors, paper cutter and utility knife), cardboard proved to be the best recycled material to create the projects.
There is a wide range of capabilities and each individual is assessed and involved accordingly.
Under the instruction of Hallam, the artwork is created and assembled, engaging individuals from each program. This hands-on activity has proven to be a learning, sociable and rewarding experience.
Issues being addressed are recovery through art, managing trash artfully, addressing the environment and promoting sustainability practices, among others.
Presently, the art is not for sale. This project has received support from various funding sources including Greene County Human Services, The Sprout Fund, Community Foundation of Greene County, Valued Behavioral Health, Walmart, Waynesburg Lumber and private donations.