Art is our common language. It’s our way of expressing individuality. And StudioWorks, a program of Zoom Group, which is a nonprofit organization and a Metro United Way agency, is making this happen for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities every day.
“We are a non profit art studio and gallery for adults with developmental disabilities,” says Rebecca Crutcher, the site coordinator of StudioWorks. “Currently, we have 33 artists in our program who can choose from a variety of art-making processes and materials. Key to our program is the idea that artists with developmental disabilities are capable of significant individual expression.”
StudioWorks is connected with Zoom Group, Louisville’s largest employer of adults with developmental disabilities. The school system graduates these students out at 21, and many need work and a plan after high school. The parents of these students developed Zoom to help them transition into the job market.
“The StudioWorks program actually began in failure,” explained Al Gorman, director of studio arts at StudioWorks. “Zoom Group had a coffee house seven years ago. A small group who worked there also met in the back room and made arts and crafts.” When the coffee house didn’t work out, the small group remained
The interior of the StudioWorks gallery is inspiring to all who enter, with high ceilings, huge windows with views of Eastern Parkway and Bardstown Road, and many different areas to create.
“When you think about your own life, you’re in many different rooms in the course of your day,” said Gormon. “Our guys aren’t always in different rooms… so we’ve created many different areas for people to go and chill.” The site was previously an auto dealership in the 1940s, then a garage and showroom. “It took us two years to find this space,” Gorman continued. “We wanted a special place, visible in the community, where we could truly participate in the community.”
“Our staff consists of four professionally trained artists who act as guides through the creative process,” said Crutcher. This professional family consists of Crutcher, Gorman, Josh Juett, and Susie Sherrard. These four cover everything from drawing and painting to furniture carving, sculpture, and printmaking. “Central to our program are drawing and painting, but ceramic sculpture, jewelry making, collage, photography, and fiber arts are also offered. “Special opportunities, such as working with fused glass or basket making are occasionally offered.”
“We make it a point not to make their art for them,” said Gorman. “We may show them techniques, but it is up to them to do what they can with that.”
When a piece sells, artists receive an 80 percent commission and 20 percent goes back to Zoom for art supplies and materials.
One of the promising artists is a young man by the name of Chimel Ford, a graduate of Pleasure Ridge Park High School, Ford “strongly identifies with being an artist,” says Gorman. Ford’s large painting of the Morton Salt Girl greets those who enter the StudioWorks space, and his art, which consists of beautiful depictions of food and packaging, is being shown in their first solo show. Gormon has been hiding some of Chimel’s paintings away because they sell so fast. “We need to keep some for the show!” Gorman said with excitement. An opening reception will be held on March 16, from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. with the public welcome to attend.
Another artist, Julie Balduga, works with pastels and focuses on people or technology.
“Most of her work centers around friends gone,” explained Gorman. “And most of her scenes are set in heaven. However you are slighted in this world, in heaven it is made right.” When asked about creating her pastels, Julie says, “It makes me feel good.” To her, the cables and cords “look like nerves in the body.” StudioWorks is obviously her home away from home, and her comfort and joy being there is apparent.
“We get to experience the difference art can make in lives,” says Gorman. “Everybody benefits from the experience of art. Everyone has creativity, and we provide a means to help express that. We belong to a community, and the community needs to see us as well. There’s nothing to fear. Some people are uncomfortable with people with disabilities, but they are just like you, with hopes and dreams. We are in the civilization business. How we judge a civilization is how we take care of the least among us. People who don’t have advocates get hurt. [At StudioWorks], we get to be theirs and art’s as well.”
StudioWorks costs $10 per hour and provides services for adults 18 and older with the official diagnosis of a developmental disability. Artists have the opportunity to work with local artists on collaborative projects, as well as participate in group workshops and artist talks. The program receives its funding primarily through Medicaid waivers, which provide the artists with a range of choices that can enrich their lives. Some of the artists are self-paid and on scholarship as well. At this point in time, 32 artists make up the clientele, the current capacity in order to maintain a good client/staff ratio. There is a waiting list for services, and Gorman’s hope is to create a different type of program to suit other creative interests in the expressive arts, like storytelling, dancing, singing, and writing.
–Stacy Geyer
Visit the Zoom Group website at:
Chimel Ford’s art blog:
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