artAbility

art Ability 10 year anniversary logo

Expression through art

artAbility is a student-led project supported by the Idaho CDHD in collaboration with the Self-Advocacy Movement (SAM).

The project was created in 2014 to encourage adults with disabilities to express themselves through participation in art workshops with local art instructors and University of Idaho student supports.

artAbility 2023-24

Workshops

Each year, participants take part in a series of art workshops. Each one focuses on a different art technique, creating opportunities to learn about different ways of self-expression. Topics have included clay, expressing emotion through color, outdoor oil painting, collage, Native American culture and drumstick making, wood sculptures and more.

Sessions are led by local artists and our Project Coordinator, with University of Idaho students providing a helping hand.

Thank you to the University of Idaho ARTS Grant for funding this year's projects. 

Meet our Project Coordinator

Alena Ramikissoon profile picture

Alena Ramikissoon is stepping in as this year's Project Coordinator. Originally from southern California, this is her second year working with the artAbility project. She is looking forward to working with the community to provide the project's participants with unique and expressive artistic experiences. Alena is also looking forward to celebrating the 10th annual artAbility Showcase.

She is currently pursuing an education in Child Development. She is looking forward to working with children with developmental disabilities.

You can email Alena (alenar@uidaho.edu) for information on the workshops or any other artAbility questions.