Program Courses
The ART Center's Fall 2011 Curriculum
Clay Time
Instructor: Meggie Evans
Therapeutic clay use gives the opportunity for students to improve their sensory systems which include hand-eye coordination, motor skills, concentration, creativity, and the ability to interact and engage with others in their community. This class is designed to strengthen tactical discrimination, engage the senses, gain an understanding of self awareness and learn new skills related to the art of ceramics.
Painting
Instructor: Meggie Evans
This general painting class has been design for all functioning levels and will center on the therapeutic use of painting to help calm the body and relax the mind. Knowledge that will be developed and utilized will include the discovery of various art genres, color and composition of layout, and individual artistic expression. Each student will have the opportunity to work independently, catering to personal interests, strengths, individuality and personal growth. Collaborative work will also be supported through the development of social skills and group decision-making.
Shadow Puppetry
Instructor: Laura Sardisco
This class will focus on developing shadow puppets and culminate in a performance utilizing the puppets. Each student will have the opportunity to work individually, re-enforcing independence by focusing on individual interest and personal growth. Each student will also have the option of working collaboratively, supporting social skills by considering the ideas of others and learning about new cultures. This class will also provide activities such as reenactment of everyday scenarios to provide a gateway for students to navigate through real life events, and learn to better appropriate themselves in the community..
Viewpoints
Instructor: Laura Sardisco and Suzi Mathai
The Viewpoints is a movement based acting technique that allows a group of actors (students)to function together spontaneously and intuitively. It develops flexibility, articulation, and strength in movement. They are simply another way to create a character and how said character behaves in the world. This class will be a study in character development, finding truth through movement and igniting ones imagination.
Ready for R&R (older adult course)
Instructor: Colin Carri
Music Therapist: Liz Clarke
This class will offer topics and experiences including older adult activities, small group music therapy sessions, and active social contribution. Older adult students will “rock” in music therapy, and “roll” in the community. Music will be used to promote physical and mental wellness, and increase listening and turn-taking skills. Older adult students will work on recalling information they’ve learned. Throughout the semester, students’ recognition of chosen musical sounds will be tested, which will require application of auditory memory skills. For the community component, older adult students will share their skills in the vocation of fiber arts by creating silk scarves & artist books which will be for sale in the ART Center’s gift shop, The Go! Store as well as through our online gift shop, gostore.etsy.com
Music Therapy
Music Therapist: Liz Clarke
This class will focus on musical expression of self, for the purpose of communicating OR recording music with the intent of creating a relaxation CD. When students communicate musically, they will be prompted not to use words. During recording, they will be encouraged to contribute to song editing and decision making through use of language or an iTalk2 button for choice-making.
Story Time
Instructional Aide: Joanna Gomez
With this class, students will engage in a variety of subjects such as memory awareness, emotional awareness, decision making, social skills, likes and dislikes. One of the goal areas is to recognize memory. These stories will engage students in active participation through recollection and the use of pictures as aids. Some students will be challenged to recognize the story name, characters, plot, and listening/reading comprehension. The community integration aspect of this class involves student trips to local bookstores and libraries.
Relaxation/Supplemental Classes
Led by all Instructors/Therapists
Studio Maintenance
Art News/Current Events
Exercise
Adaptive Yoga
Gardening
