Joe D'Orsie
Art Days at B.U.M (with deAnn Roe)
In March, I had the opportunity to host an Art Day for the Jessica & Friends Community, a fantastic organization assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities, based here in York.
That morning in March, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was excited nonetheless. We met on a Wednesday and the project I had for them was an abstract exercise using liquid watercolors, watercolor paper, and straws. Using an eyedropper, the artists picked up color and dropped it on their paper, then with their straw they blew that color around for an interesting effect. They learned what happened when you overlay two colors or blow them in a direction where they cross paths; yellow and blue combine to make green, etc. They had so much fun creating three art pieces that morning that they asked me to come back in April for another Art Day.
We had our second Art Day on April 18th and it was incredible. The project had them painting initials, either their own or for someone they loved, using acrylic paint and brushes. After painting, they had the option to hot-glue colorful gems on their piece to give them some “bling.” The individuals and their companions did an outstanding job - they turned out SO GOOD!!
Our project for May (5/16) is a mixed-media collage project with the prompt of “Me, Myself, & God.” Using a variety of papers, magazine cut-outs, mod-podge and other items they will bring from their homes, they will express on an 11”x14” canvas panel who they are (what makes them special and unique) and how they relate to God. We are all VERY excited about this upcoming project!
Our monthly Art Days with the Jessica & Friends Community are open to anyone who desires to create and get to know these lovely people and how warm their hearts are. It’s a great activity for parents/grandparents with their children/grandchildren as well (depending on their ability to comprehend the project).
Art Days with J&F meets at Bethlehem United Methodist Church at 109 E. Main Street in Dallastown on the third Wednesday of each month from 9:30am to 11am in the fellowship hall. Our project for May 16 - Me, Myself & God collage/mixed media piece - is $8 per person. If you'd like to join us, email me (deannroe@me.com) to sign up so I have enough supplies for all.
And don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.
Be in joy! deAnn Roe
717-542-9024