April 2, 2026 By CDHD artAbility: local artist spotlight Each academic year the Idaho CDHD supports artAbility – a student-led project that invites people with disabilities in the Moscow area to freely express themselves through art. This is achieved through free workshops planned by our trainee Project Coordinator. Plenty of support comes from staff and fellow students; however, many of our workshops would not be possible without the help of the myriad local artists who generously provide their time, knowledge and skills. We’re lucky enough to live in an area ripe with creative energy, which serves our project well. With every workshop focusing on a different artistic medium, we’ve been able to draw on the vast talent at our doorstep. This year was no exception. Chelsey Byrd Lewallen most recently introduced participants to Sashiko – the art of Japanese visible mending. This traditional embroidery technique drew one of our largest crowds, with participants producing beautifully stitched patterns on denim. Chelsey is a senior instructor in the apparel, textiles and designs program at the University of Idaho. Her mission is to teach students how to make beautiful clothing with an emphasis on sustainability. It’s all about keeping textiles out of landfills. You can read more about it in her book, Clothing, Alteration and Repair: Maintaining a Sustainable Wardrobe. Polly Walker led a workshop on stained glass painting on canvas in which participants created a faux stained glass effect using paint and dimensional liners. The result simulates brightly colored glass panels. Polly’s art is displayed in local businesses across Moscow and during ArtWalk. Along with making art, she is open to all new experiences. She has owned several restaurants and retail stores. Even artists-in-the-making shared their time with artAbility this year, with University of Idaho Secondary Art Method Students offering two workshops on paper mache. This classic art form had the participants building and painting structures using recycled materials. These students are in their last semesters before they undertake student teaching. All aspire to be middle and high school art teachers. This collaboration provides the opportunity to teach different art methods to people of all abilities and backgrounds. It also offers a chance to learn about the use of art and artistic mediums within local communities. Lastly, this year’s artAbility kicked off with a bang! Local tie-dye expert Arlene Falcon instructed the first two workshops. With more than 20 years of experience in tie-dying just about everything under the sun, we can’t think of anyone better to give a masterclass in this colorful art form. Arlene’s humble beginnings of tie-dying t-shirts at her kitchen table ultimately led her to a brick-and-mortar shop and all the way to the pages of Vogue UK. She has garnered international attention, and her tie-dyed clothing has been requested by the likes of New Zealand singer Lorde. Her current home – Tye Dye Everything! – is a Moscow staple and the place to get the coolest colorful duds. We’re not just talking t-shirts. Arlene works her magic on everything from socks and underwear to overalls, hats, drum skins, blankets and bathmats. There’s even a fit for your dog. She brought her talent to artAbility – along with a stack of pristine white aprons and bandanas – and skillfully demonstrated a range tie-dye techniques. The colorful results will be on full display at this year’s artAbility Showcase. Join us on April 29 from 5-7 pm at the 1912 Center to celebrate another year of artAbility, our local artists and all the participants that created art this year. Please also join us in thanking these incredible artists for generously donating their skills, and for sharing their art within the Moscow community. We appreciate you!