As an artist in her personal life and a social worker in her professional life, Sarah Stone has seen her share of struggling artists. But the ones who have touched her the most are the adults with developmental disabilities she works with as a service coordinator at Rocky Mountain Human Services.
“I’ve worked with and heard about clients in our services who have unique creative talents but few outlets to share them, “she explained. “Even more importantly, these artists don’t have many opportunities to join together with fellow artists and have a sense of belonging as a group.”
Driven by what she saw, Sarah was determined to create opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities that would provide a sense of community and the ability for them to grow as artists. Thus, the Art Impacts! project was born. It starts with a targeted eight-week art workshop for adults with developmental disabilities who are clients of RMHS.
With the support of RMHS and her coworkers, Sarah has teamed up with Very Special Arts Access Gallery, Nostalgia Group, XcelBeyond and Sipping n’ Painting Hampden to bring the initial project to life.
“I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate all the support for this project and peoples excitement about it. It’s been wonderful,” she said.
Art Impacts! will give participating artists the opportunity to learn about the genre of pop art, develop their own art based on this theme and with the guidance of working artists bring their ideas to fruition. The workshop will culminate in a month-long exhibit beginning in mid-November, including a First Friday gallery showing Dec. 6 at the Access Gallery in the Santa Fe Arts District in Denver.
To help support the project, Sipping n’ Painting Hampden is hosting a painting party fundraiser at 4 p.m. Sept. 8. Participants can reserve their spot online for $40, plus a $3.19 fee. The cost includes a canvas, use of art materials, a snack and a complimentary glass of wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverage.
Sign up for the painting party at or by calling Sipping n’ Painting Hampden at 720-449-1067.
Katie Goulet is a communications specialist at Rocky Mountain Human Services.
