Rural and Community Art Project Grant

Through the Art Speaks Exhibit, Two Harbors and surrounding communities will experience fresh artistic styles and intriguing perspectives as artists with developmental disabilities communicate through appealing displays of visual and performance art. Short-rang project goals include solidifying our team of project planners, supporters and collaborative partners, tapping the expertise of key paid and volunteer staff to plan and oversee sessions for art creation and dance practice, and for artists with developmental disabilities to attend regularly scheduled Art Expressions sessions from July 1st through the event at October's end. Long term, artists will benefit from improved ability to express their emotions and be understood and accepted by others. As a result, barriers will come down, new relationships will be formed, and new doors of opportunity will open that lead to greater community inclusion, integrated employment opportunities, increased earning potential, and most importantly, improved self-worth and life satisfaction for the artists. Art Expressions is in its third year, and response from our clients, community members, and service providers to the program and designated art space has been 100% positive. People love it, and we plan to continue developing it for the benefit of all involved. We will monitor program impact on our artists and community through both formal and informal methods. Within a week following the Art Speaks Exhibit, all staff and clients will meet to discuss successes, challenges, and ideas for improvement or expansion. Program-specific forms already in place, or to be designed, will collect statistical data and financial information to assure we are progressing in an organized, timely and cost-effective manner. To capture information while we have art enthusiasts present, a brief survey will be available for voluntary completion by Exhibit visitors to gather their reactions, impressions, suggestions or requests. This information will be used to enhance our arts program and plan for future expansion. The satisfaction level of artists and Art Expressions volunteers will be continually monitored through observation, 1:1 discussions, and ongoing communication of various forms will keep our supporters and stakeholders informed and updated. As well, formal evaluation using questionnaires is done at regular intervals and used for reporting, program improvement, and program development purposes. All of these methods will guide us as our artists and Art Expressions program evolves.