When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year and day programs like the North 4th Arts Center and Adelante shut down, a group of concerned citizens got together on Zoom and brainstormed a way to keep individuals connected and engaged while things were shut down. Thus the Arts Connections program was born. It began with free sample classes in July 2020 on Zoom and just a handful of students. In less than a year the program has grown to offer 14 virtual classes a week, including Theater Circus, Recycled Music, Blog (of course), Cartooning, Life Skills and more. Arts Connections also offers free classes, like Move & Groove, Bingo Blast and Self Advocacy. In addition an informal drawing and conversation group and other workshops have just been added to the program.
As vaccines are becoming more and more available, we are starting to look forward to the end of the pandemic, but that’s not the end for Arts Connections. Virtual programming will continue, but there are also plans for small groups to meet in person at various locations in downtown Albuquerque. There will also be chances for participants to sell their art, and we plan on having a booth for students at art markets, like ArtWalk. We would also love to highlight our students with gallery shows in the future.
We talked with some of our participants and asked what they like about Arts Connections. Joseph enjoys the opportunity to sing with peers in Sing Along, one of his favorite classes. He also enjoys socializing and using the skills he has gained through the program to use in his every day life. Crystal really loves People Drawing, when she works on her teamwork skills with Candice. She also likes the program, because it keeps her busy and connected, and she enjoys meeting new people. Mark likes to learn new things and keep busy while staying at home. Rachel loves Sing Along and ASL, and she also likes to make new friends. We’re all excited to see what the future holds for Arts Connections.
If you are interested in our program, check out our class offerings on the OT Circus website. For any question regarding Arts Connections, please contact Program Director, Margaret Govoni at otartsconnections@gmail.com or call 505-750-7146.
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