BIG IDEAS

In 1994 I joined the Ohio Arts Council’s Artist in Residency program. Attracted to the idea of working in communities and collaborating on art projects- it was a perfect fit. I could not believe there was an organization ready to support artistic research and invite me to facilitate big crazy fun projects. The more I was involved, the more I believed that communities are stronger when there is an opportunity to come together, create and connect.

Passion Works grew out of one of these residences back in 1996. I asked Volunteer Coordinator, Jeff Beirlien to coffee to suggest doing an OAC grant at Atco. He said yes- and after a two week residency we installed 100 paper mache

birds at the Kennedy Museum of Art. Jeff told me after the show was up and we were celebrating the opening- that he didn’t really understand what was going to happen with the art project until the opening. And I thought what a brave guy- and secretly…I didn’t know either. You just go forward thinking/hoping that something is going to work out- and in time the art will appear.

I could never have done this show by myself. The insights, talents, direction happened because of all of the people involved. I can not tell you how lucky I feel to be able to work with Passion Works Artists, Staff and Volunteers. Joyce Frank, thank you- for writing this grant and all you do for PWS. We started this residency thinking about building on art already created at the studio. We took photos, Xeroxed our faces, and then began layering pieces together and photographing the new collages. We then began Xeroxing photos and drawings onto fine art paper and reworking the surface. It was a high speed art factory! With BIG IDEAS flying around the studio.

We were invited by the Aesthetics Technology Lab (@Lab) at Ohio University to partner and access their amazing technology and talent. They generously contributed $1,500 of printing costs to this project and hours of technical assistance. Katherine Milton and Nathaniel Berger encouraged us to think big- and you can see that we did! What a beautiful thing to have this resource in our community to encourage ideas and exploration. http://www.faculty-commons.org/atlab/

When I look around this beautiful gallery space I cannot believe how far Passion Works has come. Through love and belief in Passion Works’ Artists/mission this studio has grown into an outstanding example of what is possible working through and the artistic spirit of people with developmental disabilities. Programs around the world are now looking to Passion Works as the example of what is possible. Passion Work Artists are changing the lives of their peers and they have set the bar very high- with higher expectations for full and engaging lives - parents, friends, staff, programs are now given the opportunity to witness what is possible and are encouraged to move forward, with expectation toward the spectacular.

-Patty Mitchell

Show opening Thursday 2/11/10 - Passion Works Studio, 20 E. State St. Athens, Ohio 5-8:00. Show will be up through 4/11/10 http://passionworks.org/newsletter/2010/February/2010-2-PWnewsletter.html

Ohio Arts Council Arts Learning: http://www.oac.state.oh.us/grantsprogs/artslearning.asp

Donna Sue Groves Wins Gov Award for the ARTS!

http://www.peoplesdefender.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=130797&SectionID=13&SubSectionID=83&S=1

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Donna Sue Groves, above, holds a quilt made for her to lift her spirits, during a recent bout with cancer, by friends she has made across the state through her promotion of the arts. Below, a snail’s trail quilt square graces a barn at the Groves residence on Germany Hill Road in Monroe Township of Adams County. An inspiration: Adams County resident to be presented state award ‘The spark that brings people, resources and dreams together’ Carleta Weyrich Reporter At the turn of the 21st Century, a local woman planted an idea in Adams County, based on an ancient art that thrives in Americana. Donna Sue Groves' idea of a quilt barn trail took root and has since blossomed across the state of Ohio and into at least 26 states. In April, Groves will be awarded the Governor's Award for the Arts, not just for her quilt barn idea, but for community development and participation, especially in the Appalachian region. "Donna Sue Groves made a difference in Adams County," Tom Cross, director of the Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau said recently. "Not too many people can say that, but Donna Sue's vision of the Quilt Barn project became one of the cornerstones Adams County tourism was built upon, with those 20 original quilt barns. Her name and Adams County will forever be linked to the tourism phenomenon that has spread throughout the U.S., with 98 dedicated quilt barn driving trails winding across 26 different states." The Governor's Awards for the Arts is a statewide program that showcases and celebrates Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts patrons and business support of the arts. The primary mission of the awards is to increase public awareness of the economic, educational and cultural value of the arts in our state. A selection committee made up of members of the Ohio Arts Council board chooses the winners. Groves was one of six award recipients selected from 79 nominations submitted this year by individuals and organizations throughout the state. In her nomination of Groves, Patty Mitchell, of Athens, wrote, "Donna Sue Groves has been the connector - the spark that brings people, resources and dreams together - building civic and community capacity at the grass-roots level for over 40 years. Throughout Ohio, and especially in Appalachia, she has worked with communities, training and inspiring people to recognize and support their untapped talent and potential." Originally from Creed, West Virginia, Groves is a 1966 graduate of Charleston High School and has a journalism degree from West Virginia University. When she was a child traveling in a car through her home state, her mother, Maxine Groves, would occupy her children with counting barns and advertising signs along the way. Groves explained that it was too boring to try to keep track of license plates as traffic was very sparse in their area. So, instead, she learned an appreciation of barns and developed an interest in promotion. Groves also developed service skills for her community through involvement with Girl Scouts, through working at a local radio station and as a candy striper at the local hospital. In time, Groves' parents relocated to Xenia, and she followed them there. While living in the southern end of the city, a working class neighborhood, she noticed they didn't seem to get the same services as other areas. She launched into her first major community service project, organized the residents, and the result was new street renovations and upgrades to gas and water lines. Subsequently, Groves was asked to run for city commissioner. She campaigned door to door and won, beating an incumbent in the election. However, before completing the term, she and her mother decided to relocate to Adams County. The year was 1989, and by then she had raised a child and was divorced. Maxine was widowed and retired from her vocation as a school teacher. "I had been on a lot of nature trails here," said Maxine. "I liked the relaxed pace. People are kind here and look after each other. It was a good place to call home." The two ladies purchased a small farm on Germany Hill Road from which they could see the Kentucky hills. Maxine built a house for them to live in and had a place to do her hobby of quilting. She had learned the craft from her mother and grandmother. "There's a tobacco barn on the property," Groves said. "It was very plain and dull. I promised Mom I would paint one of her quilt squares on it to brighten it up. Time went on, and I didn't get around to it." In 2001, Pete Whan, with the Nature Conservancy, offered to help paint the square. Elaine Collins, director of Adams County Economic Development, was with them at the time. Groves thought if they were going to paint one square, they could paint an entire trail of them across the county to draw tourists and bring economic opportunities to local artists and businesses. "Her own vision took root in the Quilt Barn Project," wrote Mitchell. "Honoring her mother, Donna Sue thought murals of quilt squares installed on barns would be a unique way for communities to emphasize and utilize local assets for economic development. But even Donna Sue could not have imagined how successful this project would become." Groves will receive the award at a luncheon at noon on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the Columbus Athenaeum in Columbus. The awards presentation is typically presided over by the Governor, the President of the Ohio Senate and the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. Along with the other award winners, Groves will receive an original work of art by Cleveland photographer Larry Kasperek. For more information, please visit the Ohio Arts Council Web site at www.oac.state.oh.us, or call the council at (800) 750-0750. The Ohio Arts Council was created in 1965 to "foster and encourage the development of the arts and assist the preservation of Ohio's cultural heritage." This is accomplished by the council in two primary methods; first, through the various grant funding programs that the council operates to provide support to artists and to make arts activities available to a broad segment of Ohio's public; and secondly, by providing services that help to enhance the growth of the arts. There are a total of 7 different grant programs and a variety of service programs operated by the council.

Art Idea Links

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/giant-gladiolas-709261/

http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/pdf/crafts/0303_jug_gladiolas.pdf

Links to Article about and how to make this bouquet of flowers -- made out of milk jugs.

Art Vs Crafts

Art takes form in response to ideas. First you imagine, then something can be made. You can’t bake a bunch of cookies until you decide to- then what kind? Do you have the ingredients…check, check…off you go. The cookies are made, shared and through your work- connections happen. You’ve made something for someone to taste, enjoy – trigger a memory.

Making art creates connections too. It helps us tell each other who/what is important, points out beauty or things that are confusing. Through collaborative arts programming the arts are used as a vehicle so we can listen and respond to each other. Unlike baking cookies- there is not a predetermined “product”. Only that through the process of making something new we will learn about each other, create evidence of our existence and how we see a bit of the world.

How is this approach different from crafts? Arts and Crafts, traditionally used in programming, are about an already predetermined goal. The pieces of a project fit together in an expected way and we (the participants) are just the labor for someone else’s idea. When working with people with multiple challenges- and a macaroni angel is held up as the example of what we are shooting for- and say participants do not have fine motor skills for the task- or have thought processes that can lead them through the expected steps of the task- then the person’s deficits are amplified. And who wants to be reminded of the things they can’t do? Offer someone a pen in anticipation of seeing their drawing- respond positively to what is made- understanding that they are the only one who could make that particular work—Through this simple exchange you have created the environment where individuals are respected for their personal insight. Now you have created a platform for discovery and experimentation.

As a staff person/facilitator it is not your responsibility to imagine the completed project. You have the ability to research methods, find materials…you bring the idea of what process to explore (i.e. painting, paper mache, quilting, sculpture, doll making, books…) the content- or ideas and approach to the materials- come from your participants. You can say- “This is the correct way to draw a house…everyone follow me.” Or you can offer materials and see what happens. Maybe the participants will draw a floor plan, or a rabbit hole or a flower- doesn’t matter. In the moment of drawing with someone- you can encourage, ask questions…pointing to the drawing, ”What happens next?” encouraging expanding on an idea ….and you might get an idea and think- that sketch would look great cut out of 8’piece of plywood. You have the ability to find the wood, a way to project the image, trace and cut it out. You can then ask participants to paint and further work on the cut outs. Again- you are not responsible in directing the project so tightly that you offer THE colors for the project- but ask the participant artists- “What color do you see this giant bunny?” And the question can be asked directly, holding up a color chart, a few pots of paint (communicating in the best method for your participant)- It comes down to really listening and responding- respecting the ideas of your participants- and deferring all activity/concepts that can be generated by the participants be generated by the participants.

When people first learn of this method of working and feel uncomfortable –I’ve heard, “I don’t have the time to do one more thing”, “I don’t like the way this art looks”, “I’m not an artist”….My response…don’t let your fears block you from new experiences and in turn deny exciting opportunities for the people you serve. Never made anything like this before? GREAT! Participating in doing something unfamiliar- you will learn so much! Afraid of looking silly? Ignorant? What if you aren’t any good at it? Doing nothing may be safe, but it is NO FUN! And no fun makes for a very long work day. MAKE FUN and people will be attracted to you and your project. FUN attracts attention and energy. I love working with people with cognitive challenges- as a population these folks are so enthusiastic and responsive. If you declare DISCO DAY! Blast some music you will have a party before you know it. We are so lucky to work with a group so eager to please and participate in the world.

(Photos: Passion Works Studio)

Big Fun in Wyandot County

Had a week of art at Angeline Industries- Thanks for inviting me! We painted, drew and imagined…Spent a day with the staff talking about art projects- and the next day came in early and chatted with Dan, the custodian. We had collected scrap wood from a local cabinet maker—and we were looking at it and talking about possibilities and he looks at me and says “Have you ever seen the corn hole game for little kids?”- and I looked back at the wood and it was the perfect size for his idea. I yelped! And think scared him a little bit…and asked if he could help with cutting and figuring out a prototype- and he just laughed and said sure- I believe that successful programs and projects grow from people who are open and interested in trying and talking about new ideas. Dan quietly went to work- and developed a design with the materials we had in house.

I began working with staff and workers at Angeline- we made drawings, painted fabric- made quilts, potholders…cornbags for the game…the group was cutting out coupons to send to people in the military—so we made coupon wallet/holders. Remembering the stencils we made at Creative Foundations- Now renamed: Our Town Studio---- We enlarged some drawings, made stencils and spray painted them onto the wood- and then DAN cut out the holes and made the corn hole boards. Thank You Dan!

This was a very busy week- it is so much fun to begin working with an organization- and then discover where their talent, resources and enthusiasm takes them. With continued effort Angeline will be able to improve on the prototype, breakdown the steps and get the product onto the work floor. The goal was to come up with engaging activities and a product for the sheltered workshop. With a little marketing and sales- Angeline is on their way!

New Skills

I Believe in the power of learning new stuff- Last week four visiting artists did a residency with Ohio University’s Aesthetic Technologies Lab http://www.ohio.edu/atlab/. The focus….They all work with balloons- all of them play balloons- and for the week they got together, practiced, recorded music- Wild!
One of the artists, Addi Somekh, is a professional balloon twister and gave a workshop last Wednesday…have you ever participated in something- knowing that it was going to change your life? I had this feeling with a pop-up book workshop, the first time I developed negatives and they came out of the tank—and seeing a photograph develop on paper…HOOKED! http://newballoonart.com/addiontv.html
http://www.balloonhat.com
So, I learned your classic dog and hat structures- from Addi- and he showed us his work….he has traveled the world with a photographer making balloon hats for people. Genius. He took one idea and just kept going with it—and these hats make people so happy- so quickly- and it is so easy! Once you get a few of the basics…off you go- and off we went.
It was Halloween and we made hats for Trick or Treaters- and there was a CROWD! A child frenzy- and there was FREE candy at every house—but these kids were waiting for their hat… I couldn’t believe it—a Mom even tried to hire us to do a birthday party! And Addi said this would happen- he encourages young people- to learn how to twist- and instead of getting a part time job at a coffee house—stand on the corner, do parties—hire yourself out…make more money and more fun!
Addi made balloons at Atco- our local sheltered workshop- and I asked him how much time he needed….”The time it takes to make everyone happy.” And so we went and for two hours he made hats for about 30 people with developmental disabilities. Big beautiful hats and flowers…I thought it was a lovely morning- and then I talked with a staff member a few days later- she said that a few of the clients have been feeling really depressed- hardly talking…and this workshop had them smiling and talking about the experience for DAYS! And all it took were some balloons and connecting to one another… and that is the secret I think…figuring out how to connect to one another—I don’t care if it is through drawing or talking--- what ever it is that helps us listen and respond…makes us feel better—Art just seems to be the best thing I’ve found so far.

Back to the Balloons….With this new found technique—I just kept making and making—practicing. Looked up “How to Make Balloon Hats” on www.Youtube.com learned more…and did up some costumes for the Uptown Athens Halloween Extravaganza… and then blew up balloons on the street corner-and made hats for the partygoers -- You’d have thought we were passing out gold! People were so happy and it was so much fun- We were interviewed by radio and newspaper- it was wild- Imagine a fundraiser-- add a balloon twister- and you have instant fun, decorations....charge a buck a hat- and generate more fund raising!
My suggestion….take a workshop- learn something new…then DO IT BIG and see what happens.

Next Think Tank December 2nd!

The Ohio Association of Adult Services
Presents
Art Think Tank Three

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Franklin County Board of MRDD
2879 Johnstown Rd.
Columbus, OH 43219

9:00am – 3:00pm

Facilitated by: Patty Mitchell, MFA
Patty Mitchell is a working artist and social entrepreneur specializing in collaborations between artists with and without developmental disabilities. Designs from collaborative artworks are translated into product with a focus of creating employment for underserved populations and funding streams for continued programming. Mitchell started Passion Works Studio through an Ohio Arts Council Artist in Residency, in Athens Ohio (1996), where today 40 artists with cognitive disabilities work as artists and have generated almost a million US dollars since 1998. Mitchell is now sharing this model throughout Ohio and internationally with Handikos of Kosovo and Flor de Arte of Coanil in Santiago, Chile.
Mitchell has received a Distinguished Alumna Award from Ohio University’s College of Fine Art, Individual Artist Award from the Ohio Arts Council, Citizen of the Year from Athens Civitan and The Keystone Award from Ohio University for outstanding community service. Passion Works has received the Governor’s Award for the Arts: Community Development and Participation and Distinguished Organization for Art Education from the Ohio Art Education Association.

Registration Information: On-line registration only
Agenda: Patty will send the agenda out prior to the meeting
Registration Web Site: www.oaas.org
OAAS Member Organization Fee: $25 (If your Adult Services Program is an OAAS member- please use the OAAS Member Rate)
Non-Member Fee: $35
Lunch: Brown Bag – Beverages supplied by OAAS