painting by William Eley of Becoming Independent
Communicating by making pictures must be among the oldest, most primal human instincts. For people born with severe developmental disabilities, the realm of art-making sometimes provides the only tangible outlet for the depths of thought and emotion. I studied at RISD and the Art Institute of Chicago and have taught and lectured at art and design colleges, but I have never witnessed such focused dedication to the craft of picture-making as demonstrated by the talented people at Becoming Independent during my recent visit.
Cami Weaver, dynamo CEO and twenty year career veteran of Becoming Independent, led the tour of the organization’s labyrinthine 26,000 square foot campus, stopping frequently for intimate chats with the people who participate in BI’s diverse wealth of services. Cami is passionate about “breaking down barriers and de-bunking myths that people with disabilities have limits and are different from people without disabilities.” Among the organization’s extensive offerings are Community Living Support, Adult Education, Employment Services, Family Resource and Advocacy, and Transportation Services. Cami clearly approaches each client individually and manages to evoke a feeling of extended family for both the BI staff and its over one thousand clients.
Judging from the work hanging on the walls of BI’s galleries, the organization is more than just the largest non-profit in the North Bay, it is ultimately one of its best art schools. To me, Becoming Independent serves as a model of innovation worth emulating by any business or organization whose goals are community inclusion and good citizenship. I look forward to spending more time working with Cami to develop potential collaborative projects for Wowhaus, and encourage everyone to arrange for a visit that is guaranteed to inspire.
Deep Craft :: Update on Furniture for Becoming Independent | 02-Nov-09 at 10:04 am | Permalink
[...] last week I received the first batch of panels painted by the artists of Becoming Independent, exploring the theme of ’space’. There will be a total of 16 panels (2 per chair), all [...]
Deep Craft :: Space Chairs for Becoming Independent | 23-Nov-09 at 4:23 pm | Permalink
[...] I’ve really enjoyed collaborating with artists with developmental disabilities in the design of my Space Chairs for the new playroom at Becoming Independent (BI) in Santa Rosa. The eight chairs are made from locally-milled Monterey Cypress, and their backs frame panels lovingly painted by eight individual artists who regularly participate in BI’s innovative Artworks Program. The chairs, half of which have arms, will be used daily by children of all ages who have varying degrees of developmental disabilities. I’m very pleased with the outcome, whose design program has been a challenge, requiring safety, durability, low cost and ease of configuration. I’m confident the project will prove to be a successful prototype for continued collaboration, and I look forward to exploring the potential for more expressive forms featuring panels painted by the Artists of Becoming Independent. [...]
Fine cooking magazine. | 23-Nov-09 at 11:26 pm | Permalink
Fine cooking magazine….
Fine cooking magazine….