“Breaking Walls One Ability at a Time,” art show displays talents of area residents

[October 11, 2016]   LINCOLN - The Lincoln Art Institute and Logan County Arts have been planning Thursday’s art show since spring. It is collaboration between the group and members enrolled in the Lincoln Center for Developmental Rehabilitation. Titled “Breaking Walls One Ability at a Time,” the space on opening night of the LAI was lined with the paintings and sculpture of community members attending the Developmental Rehabilitation program.

Peggy Ross-Jones, administrator of the Lincoln Center for Developmental Rehabilitation, was especially excited about the chance to show off the art abilities of those attending the LCDR.

The LCDR takes in many communities in central Illinois including Lincoln, Springfield, and as far west as Havana in Mason County.

“This show is awesome, and the artists are excited to have their work on display. It is a chance for the community and the families of the artists to see their paintings on display,” said Ross-Jones.

She stressed that some direction is given to those enrolled in the art program, however it is all about encouraging each artist’s creativity and individuality. “We encourage them to use their imagination, and let them do what they want,” she said. Peggy Ross-Jones added that encouraging those attending the LCDR to take up art may be leading them to a life-long activity.

The artists took on a myriad of themes in their works of art. Some paintings expressed how they saw themselves. Others were landscapes, and several pieces were large papier-mâché’ works, including one very large elephant sitting in the middle of the gallery, paint brush in trunk ready to create her own addition to the show.

A large and enthusiastic crowd strolled through the gallery to get a glimpse of the colorful pieces of fine art done in different media.

Rhonda Helton is one of the instructors in the LCDR art program. “I love my job,” she said.

“Breaking Walls One Ability at a Time” will run through November 1 at the Lincoln Art Institute. Moses Pinkerton can be contacted at 217-651-8355 to find out when the gallery is open. Private tours may also be arranged.

[Curtis Fox]