Works by TRC artists on display at Prendergast Library

Dawn Smith and Joel Monagle work on one of the paintings to be included in the “Winter Lane” exhibit.

The Resource Center and the James Prendergast Library are teaming up to bring the joys of the season to area residents.

“Train” by Laverne Ludwig

From December 9 through January 6, works created by people with developmental disabilities in TRC’s Creations art program will be on display at the library, located at 509 Cherry Street in Jamestown.

The exhibit is called “Winter Lane” and features paintings created by adults with cognitive disabilities in TRC’s five Day Habilitation Programs in Jamestown and Dunkirk, as well as the TRC’s program for people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.  The exhibit was arranged by Kristen Briggs, TRC’s Art Instructor, who teaches and inspires the participants in the Creations program.

“It’s all about the season, and it’s going to be a great reminder of what the season is all about,” said Ms. Briggs of the works included in the exhibit.  “I think that it will be a great way to bring the community together to celebrate the season and take a look at how blessed we really are.”

Opening receptions will be held Friday, December 9, from 10:30 to 1:30 and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The events will offer the opportunity for gallery visitors to meet Ms. Briggs and some of the artists.

Both receptions will include performances by Visions of Hope, a choir composed of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Those performances are scheduled for 10:30 and 7:00.

“Reindeer” by Carole Wetzel

Refreshments will be served.

Kristen has been teaching art at The Resource Center for more than four years, and during that time she established the Creations art program at TRC.  Through the Creations program, she has developed a number of accomplished artists, and in so doing she has helped give voice to those who cannot speak, as well as movement and freedom to people with physical limitations.

During the past few years, Kristen has arranged a number of public exhibits of her students’ work so that the community at large can experience the artistic talents of people with disabilities.
“We appreciate the opportunity to exhibit and are eager to let the community know what we are doing in our art rooms,” she said.

The Prendergast Library Galley will be open from 10:00 to 8:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 10:00 to 5:00 Wednesday; and 10:00 to 4:00 Saturday.

For more information, phone The Resource Center at 483-2344 or the library at 484-7135.