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
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
