Special event pairs members of DSO with intellectually-challenged individuals
Artist Sharon is pictured with some of her work.
Gesher Human Services will celebrate the talents of participants in its Creative Expressions arts enrichment program with a capstone event on the evening of Tuesday, July 21, at Temple Beth El (7400 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills MI 48301).
The event is free and open to the public.
Creative Expressions offers individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or those who are living with serious mental health diagnoses, the opportunity to explore a variety of fine arts, photography, poetry, music and more.
In addition, artists in the community, such as those from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), work with participants to provide additional enrichment opportunities.
Fun, busy night
The capstone program will begin with a gallery art walk at 5.30 p.m. which will include kosher hors d’oeuvres. This will be followed by a musical performance at 6 p.m. in partnership with DSO musicians.
At 7 p.m. art will be available for sale and dessert will be served.
To register for the capstone event, go to geshermi.org/event or click here.
One talented artist who will be highlighted at the capstone event is poet Jo Banooni.
With the generous support of the Applebaum Family Compass Fund, through an initiative called “Advancing Creative Microenterprises for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Severe and Persistent Mental Illness”, Banooni has been able to grow their business, Three Little Letters Press.
Raising awareness
Their debut autobiographical poetry collection, Three Little Letters, will be published this summer. Through this work, Banooni uses their voice to advocate for individuals living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), raising awareness and actively challenging stigma.
Artwork to be displayed at the evening will include large-scale collaborative paintings, collages and weaving projects, individual works of art, photographs and much more.
Art can be purchased to support the Creative Expressions program. The musical performance will feature 20-25 Creative Expression musicians in conjunction with around four DSO professional musicians.
Gesher Human Services CEO Paul Blatt said that art was a beautiful way for clients to express themselves, and many were now very passionate about using their artistic skills.
Showcasing ‘spirit, creativity’
“While some aspects of everyday life may be challenging, the Creative Expressions program provides an opportunity for clients to showcase their spirit and creativity and discover talents they may not have been aware of,” he said.
“In some cases, this talent is now leading to business ventures, which provides an important sense of self-worth.”
Director of Community Engagement at the DSO Clare Valenti said that one of the most rewarding aspects of the collaboration between Creative Expressions participants and DSO musicians was seeing how music offers a space where everyone can contribute their unique voice.
“Our musicians are honored to perform alongside the talented artists in the Creative Expressions program, and we look forward to celebrating their creativity, dedication and artistry with the community,” she explained.
To learn more about the Creative Expressions Program go to shopcreativeexpressions.com. For more information on Gesher Human Services go to www.geshermi.org.
