artAbility 2023-24
Happy 10-year anniversary, artAbility! This was a milestone year for the Project, marking a decade of providing opportunity for artistic expression for the Moscow disability community. The Project hit the ground running, with Alena Ramkissoon taking over for former coordinator Areli Morfin. Tasked with leading the project through it’s 10th anniversary, Alena hoped to make it bigger and better than ever.
She planned and carried out four workshops in the fall semester, starting with Tree Ring Printing with University of IdahoI PhD student Nick Koenig. Other artistic mediums included Monochromatic Texture Art, Relief Block Printing and Watercolor Weaving – all were new techniques to the artAbility Project.
The spring semester hosted three more workshops, including the return of participant-favorite: clay. Local artist and sculptor David Herbold led two workshops dedicated to the medium.
The year wrapped up with a special annual Showcase, which incorporated a host of fun activities for participants, their families, friends and the local community. This included a free mini workshop for attendees hosted by Nick Koenig, a raffle, and storytelling activity that invited attendees to express what artAbility has meant to them over the last 10 years.
It was a fitting end to a special year for the Project. None of it would have been possible without funding. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the University of Idaho Arts Fee Grant, Inland Northwest Broadcasting, and Mellody and Ray Miller. We would also like to thank the University of Idaho Ceramics Studio, participating local artists, CDHD staff, trainees and natural supports who provided their time and support for the project.