artAbility 2019-20

Art Ability Open House stenciled on a sign of whitewashed boards.

The Moscow artAbility Project is a student-led project supported by the University of Idaho’s Center on Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD) in collaboration with the Idaho Self-Advocate Leadership Network (SALN), Moscow Chapter. The Project is on its sixth year, working to encourage community involvement and personal expression for adults with disabilities through participation in art workshops with local art instructors and UI students as volunteers. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Digital Open House will be live on April 20, 2020 to present the artwork created in the 2019-2020 workshops.

Project Partners

Special thanks to our community partners

  • Debbie Hornbuckle, Grants Manager, University Advancement

artAbility COVID-19 Statement

Hello everyone,

I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of the artAbility project this year. The ongoing success of the project is due to the commitment of everyone involved, The Center on Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD) staff and trainees, our sponsors, our University of Idaho student volunteers, the workshop instructors, and artist participants.

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone in unexpected ways, and it is everyone's responsibility to do their part in mitigating its spread. CDHD is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone involved in our outreach project. That is why, following expert advice, we will be canceling any further workshops. Additionally, this year's artAbility 2020 Showcase will move to a digital platform. Rather than canceling the showcase, artAbility will launch a digital version on April 20, 2020. Art created during this year's workshops may be viewed on the artAbility website on the launch date. Please look for updates on our CDHD website as well as the artAbility Facebook and Instagram pages.

I would like to give a special thanks to our project partners: The University of Idaho Student Art Fees Grant Committee, Stepping Stones Inc., and Inland Northwestern Broadcasting.

Best wishes,
Ernesto Marquez Montes
artAbility Director/Trainee
Center on Disabilities & Human Development

Project Director

Ernesto Marquez Montes is the new Moscow artAbility project director. Ernesto is a student in his third year at the University of Idaho, and is eager to work on the artAbility project as the new Director. Ernesto is a Psychology Major with an Art Minor, and hopes to pursue a higher degree after he earns his B.S. Ernesto has been working at the CDHD for a year and previously shadowed Mia to be able to take over the project after she left. You can email Ernesto for information on the workshops, student volunteer opportunities, or any other artAbility questions.

Flier announcing call for volunteers for the 2019-20 art ability project.

Student Involvement

University of Idaho students provide support as workshop-assistants and support the workshop participants in their artistic process. Though no experience is necessary to be a volunteer for artAbility, students are required to attend a one-hour instructional seminar on how to appropriately and respectfully interact with and assist individuals with disabilities. Through these workshops, students get the chance to interact with individuals who have varying skills and abilities in addition to assisting them in their artistic process.

Ernesto Marquez Montes, artAbility Project Director.

artAbility Workshops

Flier announcing the 2019 fall workshops and registration information for the CDHD art Ability project.

Mixed Media with Julene Ewert

The first workshop series was instructed by Julene Ewert on October 5th and October 19th, 2019. Julene is a local artist from Troy, Idaho who loves to use common materials in surprising ways.

Digital Photography with Karen Rohn

The second workshop series was instructed by Karen Rohn on November 2nd and November 16th, 2019. Karen is a local artist from Potlatch, Idaho who owns BlackBird at the Depot in Potlatch. Curated by Karen, the shop specializes in locally made products and vintage finds.

Flier announcing the 2019 November Art Ability workshops on digital photography.
Announcing spring Art Ability percussion workshops for 2020 are available for registration.

Percussion with UI Music Education Students

Due to the the COVID-19 outbreak the March 31st and April 7th workshops have been cancelled. The third workshop series was led by University of Idaho Music Education Students and held at the Lionel Hampton School of Music. The workshops run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday, March 10th and Tuesday, March 31st. An additional practice is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th. This will be a final rehersal for the artAbility showcase perfomance on Monday, April 20th.

artAbility 2020 Showcase

On Monday, April 20, 2020, the Center on Disabilities and Human Development will launch their first Digital Showcase. Be sure to visit the showcase to view the artwork and learn more about the artists.

2020 Art Ability Digital Showcase announced.