Local Program Helps Disabled Adults Create Original Artwork

WALTHAM, MA – An innovative new program developed by Waltham-based WCI – Work, Community, Independence, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities, provides an opportunity for disabled adults to work together to create original artwork for sale and display.  The Collaborative Artwork Initiative Program, launched in August, is part of WCI’s Employment and Day Supports Program, a worksite and activity center providing employment support for approximately 18 individuals located at 24 Bedford Street in Waltham.

While many of the participants in the Employment and Community Day Program go to worksites for some part of the day, the Collaborative Artwork Initiative Program serves to provide a meaningful activity when individuals return from their job as well as to serve those who might not be employed to work in businesses in the community.

A unique group effort is utilized to create the artwork, says Director Neil Wyatt.  Participants working on the art each take responsibility for one part of the process, rather than being the sole artist of a single piece.

“The whole process is collaborative,” he notes.  “There’s a niche for everyone depending on their abilities.”  Wyatt notes that a blind individual might not be able to apply paint, but would be capable of applying varnish to a piece by using their hands to feel the edges of the object.  The art projects range from decorated birdhouses to cheerful greeting cards to colorful paintings.

The paintings, vibrant abstract and contemporary canvases, caught the attention of the marketing director at the Watertown Savings Bank in Waltham and will be on display in the bank’s lobby and ATM area.  The bank, located at 6 Lexington Street in Waltham is hosting a reception for the artists on March 27 from 5 to 7 p.m.  The general public can view the works Monday through Saturday during banking hours, beginning at 8:30 a.m.  The bank closes at 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and is open until 5 p.m. on Thursday, 6 p.m. on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“The paintings are so colorful and make a nice addition to our lobby,” says Carole Katz, Marketing Vice President at Watertown Savings Bank.  “We think our customers will appreciate this beautiful exhibit.”

In addition to the recognition the group is receiving, Wyatt notes an additional benefit for participants.  “There’s more stimulation,” he says. “The art creates a focus for people.”

Family members of participants also note benefits of the Collaborative Artwork Initiative Program, Wyatt explains.  “They’re thrilled to see their loved ones doing artwork again, something they have not had the opportunity to do in a long time,” he says.

Wyatt’s goals for the program include setting up a regular time slot for the art program as well as finding a separate venue.  He also hopes to build a production line from the artwork, using the paintings as graphics for note cards, which would be sold in the community.

“I am proud of the program that Neil has created and the opportunity that it provides as an alternative to a typical paying job,” notes Nancy Silver Hargreaves, President and CEO of WCI.  “The art work is beautiful and I’d like to have one hanging in my home.”

WCI – Work, Community Independence, founded in 1974, is a private, non-profit organization providing residential and employment services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities as well as physical, sensory, mental health and healthcare needs in the communities of Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, Newton, Brighton, Arlington and Malden.  For information on how to purchase the paintings or other products of the Collaborative Artwork Initiative Program, contact Neil Wyatt at nwyatt@wearewci.org or 781-844-8389.

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