This Ability! or How To Stay Wonder-filled...

Some years back, (maybe fifteen years), 
when I was working at my art and 
facilitating the occasional workshop 
at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, 
I was asked if I would consider 
teaching a weekly class with clients
from ‘Alternatives’.

I was unfamiliar with this organization, 

so met with one of the staff members 
over coffee to get a handle on what
I was signing up for.
I liked her, and I liked the sound of it all.
I was keen to give it a go.

I would pretty much be given a free hand 
of what to teach.
Well actually, a completely free hand.
As fate would have it, I loved it, (and them), 
from the first moment.

My art students, young adults living with 

developmental disabilities, 

were wonderful and wonder-filled.
As their instructor, I wanted them to learn 

new skills, but also to

experiment with materials, to be open to 

new ideas,

to make some unusual art, 

to see art differently...

And ultimately, to love art.

Over the years, 

the open and sunny AGP Studio 

became a safe and positive space,

a happy place,

a place where people of all abilities 

belonged.

We made extraordinary art,

helped each other, 

encouraged each other, 

worked collaboratively.

There was no wrong way.

All of the creations were interesting and 

diverse, 

whether highly detailed, 

pored over at length,

struggled with, 

or handled with impromptu carefree joy.

To say that I feel fortunate would be an 

understatement.
My own work was so influenced 

by the people I worked with

in the Art Gallery studio. 

My abstract landscapes explore

themes of journey, belonging, 

beauty, isolation, struggle, 

courage, joy.

It was all there in that studio.

I am so grateful.
My love and thanks to all at the 

AGP and Alternatives 

for those years of beautiful 

art-making.

Anne