Art by Helen Elaine Bleau

Art by Ruth Hester

Art by Jeffrey Younes

The Community Living Program Art Group was started by CLP Program Manager Angel Luckina in 2004 after he was inspired by an Annual NYSACRA conference he attended. “I was impressed by the art work I saw there and the response people were having to it” said Luckina, “Many of our consumers already had a desire or interest to express them selves artistically and I knew with training they had the ability to produce art work equal to, if not better than some of the work I saw there.”

The group started with about 4 or 5 individuals and now has about 9 participants. The artists are thrilled for this opportunity to express their artistic sides. They have been very excited to show off their work and have also had paintings accepted into exhibits at NYSACRA’s 2005 & 2006 annual conferences held at the Sagamore and “Voice” a large art exhibit sponsored by Otsego ARC also in 2005 & 2006. In 2005, one of the artists, Ruth Hester received an honorable mention for her painting of flowers. Additionally, the group has held several art shows and silent auctions at SARC offices and events that that have been extremely successful and resulted in some serious “bidding wars”. A portion of all proceeds from the art auctions support the continuation of the group.

An artist himself, Angel studied Advertising, Design and Production at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica and transferred to Syracuse University where he studied Illustration. “He has been an excellent teacher and has put a lot of effort into the group and getting the art out there for people to see” said Jessica Kestens, Assistant Director of Residential Services, “We are fortunate to have Angel as a part of our team at SARC; he is a wonderful asset to the agency!”

Because others have been able to see the accomplishments of their peers, there has been an increased interest in the art group among SARC consumers. Interest also spiked the development of a new photography group that currently has two members. With coaching & training from CLP’s Erika Santos, who is running the photography group, both individuals entered photographs in the 2006 “Voice” art exhibit and were accepted. Additionally there is an individual Angel is instructing in sculpting.” I am always looking for new activities to involve our consumers in” spoke Mr. Luckina, “The program is going very well and it has been great to see the effect it has had over the individuals participating in it. They are enjoying themselves and the positive response they are receiving is boosting their self-esteem.”