Above / Arts DuPage Director Debbie Venezia, also a PN columnist and chair of the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair hosted by the Naperville Art League, is pictured by the painting created by students at Riverwalk Adult Day Services.
Riverwalk Adult Day Services (RADS) Board president Marian Stricker learned early in the year that the Naperville organization was the recipient of a JCS Visual Arts Mini-Grant through the DuPage Foundation. The funds awarded were to support a two-part interactive painting-on-canvas project for the participants of RADS’ daily program. The artist originally retained to take the lead encountered health issues before the session began and was unable to carry out the plan. After unsuccessful attempts to find a qualified replacement, Marian reached out to Arts DuPage, a DuPage Foundation initiative, for assistance.
As Arts DuPage Director, I quickly recommended Nancy D’Agostino, a local art instructor experienced in working with individuals with age-related impairments including disabilities and dementia. Nancy met with the RADS team and was hired instantly. She proved to be the perfect choice: her skills as an instructor and her compassionate demeanor allowed her to design a syllabus that captured the interest of the members while addressing their abilities and needs.
After the first class, Nancy assessed the physical and cognitive limitations of many of the eleven students involved. Dealing with the participants on a one-on-one basis, she devised techniques suitable for each. Students lacking the dexterity to hold the handle of a traditional paintbrush used instead a variety of tools including sponges and cardboard tubes to put a design in place. After a few sessions, the classmates who were once reluctant to approach the canvas were eager to take their turn. They soon completed the first phase of the project: a large format fall scene in a lush impressionistic style that reflects the passion with which it was made. A winterscape was then completed and is currently on display in the reception area of the DuPage Foundation office as part of Arts DuPage’s rotating art program.
Nancy stated that during the course of the project she “saw a measurable change in the art participants: they became more social and engaged. Not only did they love their art time, the students took pride in showing their work and sharing it with the outside community.” The project proved to be a learning experience for Nancy, too.
“When I saw people coming out of their shell, it told me to never give up on anyone. They want to participate.” And she allowed them to do just that.
For more info, visit riverwalkadultdayservices.com or call at (630) 357-8166.
Editor’s Notes / We appreciate our contributing columnists and our readers. Thanks to all! Happy 2020!
