It feels like Christmas in April at the Artistic Endeavors art studio. Like Santa’s elves, artists are working feverishly on paintings, charcoal drawings, clay pieces, birdhouses and hand-sewn aprons in preparation for the “Creations of Love” Arts and Crafts Fair this weekend — a day of celebration with a raffle, spinning wheel, games, prizes and food.
Students creating paintings for the Arts and Crafts Fair
Seventy-five percent of proceeds from the sale of art supports the lives of those who create it – the Artistic Endeavors team of adult artists, all living with developmental disabilities. But the skills that artists learn in the course of drawing, painting and sewing are the true life support. Life skills and independent living for program participants are the ultimate goals.
Program participants learn to sew as part of the Artistic Endeavors Life Skills.
Artistic Endeavors has been helping developmentally disabled adults lead more independent lives since the program’s inception in 1997. Founded by Judy Mannino and funded by the Far Northern Regional Center, Artistic Endeavors provides a safe, supportive learning environment for a class of up to 30 adults, who participate at least three days a week.
Artists learn a variety of mediums including charcoal.
In addition to art projects, team members cook in a fully-equipped kitchen, receive hygiene instruction, garden and assist in the wood shop — work designed to help participants transition to jobs outside of Artistic Endeavors. “My students are always helpful and eager to learn,” says Janet Everett. Everett, a sewing and life skills instructor since 1999, is clearly proud that her instruction allows her students to live independently.
Artist-made ceramics
But the “Creations of Love” Arts and Craft Fair is the focus for the current class of Artistic Endeavors artists. Sewers are piecing new aprons, the pottery wheel is at full-spin and bird houses are getting final details. So, take a few minutes and head out to Artistic Endeavors this weekend.
Don’t be surprised if an artist greets you at the door to show off the latest creation. Go along. You’ll encourage their creativity, and maybe inspire yours.
What: “Creations of Love” Arts and Crafts Fair
When: Saturday (April 30) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Artistic Endeavors, 491 Lake Blvd., Redding
Cost: Free
If you can’t make it to the fair, the Artistic Endeavors gallery and gift shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, look for Artistic Endeavors artists at a different location each month during Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Call (530) 242-0173 for more information.
Adam Mankoski enjoys experiencing and writing about the people, places and things that embody the free spirit of the State of Jefferson. He and his partner own HawkMan Studios and are the creators of Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Email your NorthState weekend events to adamm.anewscafe@gmail.com.
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment. Views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of anewscafe.com.
