Participants in the Adult Community Day Services program of St. Coletta’s of Illinois in Tinley Park are gearing up for an opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork.
They’ll be hosting an exhibition from May 6 to June 7 at the McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road in Palos Park, but first they need help purchasing art supplies.
St. Coletta’s is conducting an Art Supply Drive to assist in the effort. Jugs of acrylic paints, activator and drop cloths are just some of the many supplies supporters can purchase to help St. Coletta’s.
Those participants include David J., who was practicing his paint pouring technique on a recent Thursday morning using a canvass much smaller than the ones he’ll be placing in the exhibition. The pour technique is just one of the methods the artists are using to create their art, said Stephanie Wingo, recreational therapist at St. Coletta’s.
“I want them to want to do what they want to do,” Wingo said. “It is a goal, free expression or your choice. This way they get their anger out and it is more therapeutic.”
While the McCord event will be their first gallery show, the artists from St. Coletta’s already have some professional experience. They created centerpieces last May for the Caritas Benefit at the Tinley Park Convention Center. One of their pieces was auctioned off at the fundraiser, according to Charla Brautigam, marketing coordinator at St. Coletta’s.
It’s an opportunity as well for the McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, a learning center for the arts that showcases the artwork of local and regional artists,” executive director Linda Buchanan said.
“When St. Coletta’s came to us with the idea of exhibiting the works of the clients, we felt it was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with another nonprofit that provides a great service to the community,” Buchanan said, “And just as with any artist, the ability to see your own works hanging in a gallery creates a sense of pride and accomplishment. We are excited to provide such an opportunity to St. Coletta’s.”
Information on donating art supplies is with Whitney Matthis at [email protected] or 708-342-5222.
Margie Ritchie is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.