School Spotlight: Art program an oasis for students with special needs

Pamela Cotant:

Brenda Mueller was thrilled to have a creative outlet for her daughter, who attended a recent open art studio at the Monroe Street Arts Center for students with special needs.

"Sara loves to paint," Mueller said about her daughter, who has Down syndrome. "She does a lot of painting at home."

But the arts center program, called OASis, also gives the participants a chance to socialize with others, said Beth Jesion, art department head and lead art teacher.

OASis will be offered through May from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on the last Friday of each month except this month when it will run Friday, March 22, due to spring break for area students. It is open to those ages 6 and up, and registration by phone is encouraged.

The program is free due to a $1,000 grant from The Capital Times Kids Fund.

OASis started in September, and Jesion said it will be offered again next school year. The arts center also would like to expand the program in the future such as offering it twice a month or having a day-long program, she said.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 19, 2013 1:07 AM
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