‘Adults with Abilities’ students find artistic voices

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

The emotional and psychological benefits of art are well-known and people with special needs, in particular, benefit greatly from creative projects. 

The “Adults with Abilities” class at ArtFrog Art Academy in Marble Falls is for any adult with special needs. It’s the second year for the class and the reception that marks the grand finale.

“We call it ‘Adults with Abilities’ because all have abilities,” said Jennifer Virdell, special education teacher and Marble Falls Independent School District (MFISD) Transitions +18 program coordinator, Tuesday, March 24. 

Four Transitions +18 students from have been participating in the weekly classes. 

Each class brings something different for the artists: This week’s lesson was quilt block designs. Students have worked in many media, from drawing and painting to ceramics. They have learned how to make a 3D project out of a 2D image, such as making a design in clay based on a design they drew on paper.

One mom said the class is important to her daughter, Natalie. It has increased her confidence. “This is our thing,” Karen Close said.

“I started out mostly doing it for her, because she wasn’t confident about artistic things, so it’s been a big confidence-booster for her to realize she can do it,” Close said. She still helps Natalie with some artistic tasks, but her daughter’s independence dominates.

For more on this story and the A Adults with Abilities Mixed Art Reception April 7, from 12-1 p.m. at the Marble Falls Visitor Center