Special Arts Festival Aims to Open New Doors For Disadvantaged
Article Date: November 7, 2007
The Achievement Center of Texas and Garland ISD will host the inaugural Special Arts Festival from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the GISD Special Events Center.
Aimed to showcase the artistic talents of people with disabilities, the Special Arts Festival will incorporate mini-workshops by established disabled artists, teachers and performers throughout the day. Special education classes from GISD and students of the Achievement Center will also perform and display their art.
“Some people with disabilities do not always know when they have hidden talents,” said Marilynne Serie, executive director of the Achievement Center. “Once discovered, the talents just might open a whole new world of self-expression and enjoyment for them.”
John Bramblitt, a renowned blind artist, will be on hand to demonstrate his method of painting without sight. Bramblitt is the governor’s 2006-07 representative for disability awareness.
Community professionals will join with disabled students to perform and demonstrate artistic expression while an art committee judges the work and awards prizes and special recognition to winners. DynaVox Technologies, the world’s largest provider of solutions for individuals with communication challenges, will also be represented.
Serie hopes the festival will unveil new opportunities and encourage attendees to find enjoyment in the world of art and entertainment. But she needs local support to do so.
“Even though they were told it was something they couldn’t do, several people who will be at the festival have pursued their passion for music, painting and much more,” she said. “We would like to bring all these people together for a full day of discovery. We want this event to be spectacular so we need the support of our community to help make this a tremendous success.”
For more information, visit www.specialartsfestival.com or call (972) 414-7700.