June 23, 2009

ADAPTIVE RECREATION ART SHOW
AT ARMORY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
 

The Adaptive Recreation Program of the Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department will host a reception Saturday, June 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. for artists in an exhibition at Armory Center for the Arts.

The artwork and poetry on display was created by adults with disabilities who participate in a weekly art program held Wednesday evenings at Victory Park Center.

This year’s exhibition is titled “This is How We See the World” and includes the best artwork and poetry from the artists involved in the program.

The exhibition continues through July 19 and admission is free. Armory Center is at 145 N. Raymond Ave.; the gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

The primary focus of adaptive recreation is to provide opportunities and a supportive environment for artists with disabilities to create artwork and poetry.

Participants in the program are able to increase their attention span while learning perspective in drawing, color composition and writing skills.

“I have personally witnessed the growth and development of each person involved in this program,” said art teacher James Trivers.

Staff has also observed a sense of pride and accomplishment in the students when their work is selected for display.

The Adaptive Recreation Program serves nearly 300 people every month with activities that also include dance and exercise. The program is about 30 years old.

The art program will also be involved in ArtNight Pasadena in October and an annual show in September at Coffee Gallery in Altadena, where the theme will be “Famous People with Disabilities.”

For more information call (626) 744-7257.

“The Difference Between Body and Soul”
By Ara Bezjian

Even though my body acts strange sometimes,

I am not sick

My body is a vehicle

In which my spirit resides and my soul is connected to
the higher power

We are learning as we go, about our souls and our bodies

My body is not doing the creation of art, by my soul is

Because our soul is created in the image of the higher power