About the Artist

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Misericordia's Art Education and Studio Workshop Program

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. - Aristotle

The opportunity to express one's emotions is integral to having a happy and satisfying life-for people with and without disabilities. It is with this in mind that Misericordia established the art education and studio workshop program, in which more than 60 adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities work with professional artists on the aesthetics of art and their own creative expression. Artists work in three sun-filled art studios located on Misericordia's 31-acre campus on the North Side of Chicago.

Through the art education component, our artists learn about the masters-from Michelangelo to Warhol. On a recent morning, art therapist Kurt Fondriest discussed with residents the technical elements (e.g., line and color) favored by Georgia O'Keefe and how the paintings represented the different feelings and emotions in the stages of her life. Readings from books are also included in the art education curriculum to serve as a catalyst for discussions on self-expression.

The program at Misericordia also gives our artists the opportunity to create their own masterpieces. Medias include murals using acrylic and water-based paint, ceramics, glassware and woodwork. Residents who have profound developmental disabilities and physical challenges often work on more tactical projects, such as a paper-mache chess set or a large sculpture of Rodin's "The Thinker."

Misericordia views the art program as an excellent venue to educate the community at-large about the artistic talents of persons with developmental disabilities. For the past six years, Misericordia's Siblings Association has held a wildly popular annual art exhibition and auction at Northern Trust Bank. This year, more than 600 art enthusiasts admired and bid on 200 pieces. Additionally, volunteer opportunities in the art studios allow the community to have hands-on involvement with the program by working side-by-side with our artists.

For more information about Misericordia and the Heart of Mercy Work Opportunity Programs, please visit us at www.misericordia.org.