Events and Classes

I teach so many things! Some of those are embroidery, paper making, book arts, kids crafts, sensory stories, experience books, tactile art, and art for people with moderate to severe disabilities.

Sensory stories are stories or books told using objects and engaging the senses to make stories more meaningful for individuals with disabilities and bring the story to life. 

It can be difficult for some individuals to make memories, retain memories, or share experience with others due to a communication issue. Experience books come in all varieties, but essentially they are a way for individuals to create a book of an experience to review for retention and to share with others. They can also be used as a communication tool.  Here a great resource if you'd like to learn more:

https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/blog/experience-books-tool-conversation

Accessible art really has two meanings:  

-Art that crosses sensory modalities, so that the work can be felt, smelt, heard, or seen. In other words, the art can be experienced by all individuals regardless of their physical abilities. 

-A way of creating art that is often sensory based and adapted to let all participants engage regardless of physical or cognitive ability. 

Personally, I am interested in both of these. 

I have worked as a pediatric nurse for over 20 years, particularly with children with special needs. Over the last few years I have transitioned away from nursing and now work directly with deafblind individuals and it has inspired me in ways I would have never dreamed. In a world of visual art, the visually impaired are often forgotten. Through art I want to explore the themes of:   

-Nonverbal Conversations 

-The intimacy of touch & texture 

-Wordless stories 

-The power of smell & touch on memory 

-Tactile art & the ability to create items without the intent to be seen

I would love to speak with you directly to know what your needs are, but in a nutshell I can provide use of a PowerLink to convert appliance/equipment to switch activated, adaptive scissors and other equipment of various levels, and an adventurous spirit. 

I am always willing to discuss private classes for individuals or small groups. Just hit me up on my contact page!

Absolutely! If your organization is interested in hosting me, please reach out. I'm happy to discuss your needs, pricing, and provide references if you wish.