Over the past twenty-four years, clients of the Kennedy Center enrolled in the award-winning art therapy program, have discovered a vehicle by which to exhibit their artistic visions to a larger audience. The art work these artists with disabilities have created has become the ‘unique perspective’ for each of the twelve months of an annual calendar.
The calendar represents a month to month celebration of talent and creativity. Being selected to have their art appear on a calendar page has proven to be an avenue for growth and independence. The Kennedy Center is committed to offering opportunities to engage in the arts and the creative process.
Eleven of the thirteen talented artists, whose works of art were selected for the 2009 A Unique Perspective calendar, hail from Fairfield County. They are Michael Daly, Mary Ann Douglas, Lisa Ellis and Bonnie Kaehler of Fairfield; Edward Clark of Monroe, Alice Debois of Stratford; Marquis Eady, James Graves, Marc Iaizzi and Debbie Willis of Bridgeport; and Lisa Kellersman of Huntington. Cover artist Jada Dadlani and Todd Carboni are residents of Milford.
A variety of themes are expressed in this year’s calendar, ranging from still life to abstract. Each piece reflects the personal interests and feelings of the artist. Some are whimsical while others interpret a scene from nature. As individuals, these artists have transcended their disabilities to reveal their own unique style, creative ability and spirit.
The original calendar artwork and 45 other painting completed by other participants in the art therapy program is being exhibited until January 4 at People’s United Bank headquarters, 850 Main Street, Bridgeport. People’s United Bank has partnered with the Kennedy Center to produce the calendar for the past twenty years, the past two years through the People’s United Community Foundation.
“The People’s United Community Foundation is pleased to help make this calendar possible so that the wonderful artwork it contains can be shared and viewed by many people. We cannot think of a better gift during this holiday season than the gift of creativity and community spirit that this calendar embodies from The Kennedy Center artists,” said Philip R. S;herringham, chairman of the People’s United Community Foundation, and president and chief executive officer of People’s United Bank.
Proceeds from the sale of the original artwork and the four-color calendar are designated for The Kennedy Center’s Senior Options Program which will expand services for the Center’s new Alzheimer’s Program.