Everyone has a talent. Some talents are obvious, some may be hidden. The consumers at Profiles, an adult development center operated by Independent Living Services Inc., are discovering their talents more and more everyday.
While at the center, these developmentally disabled individuals take part in any number of activities -- learning how to operate a computer, how to manage their money or how to cook their own meals. And now they are learning how to paint. These finished pieces of art are drawing acclaim from many in the community who have seen their work displayed in a variety of places, including the Extraordinary Things store, which recently opened next door to Profiles at 1105 Deer St., Suite 8.
The artwork ranges from finished paintings, which are already framed and ready to be hung on the wall, to colorful note cards suitable for any number of occasions. The store opened just before Christmas and offered several styles of Christmas cards and note cards. To date, more than 7,000 cards have been sold, according to Jackie Fliss, ILS executive director. Lynda Thurman, ILS life skills instructor, manages the store.
Assisting the Profiles consumers with their art is David Antonio, who has a degree in art from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and has worked in commercial art for many years. He teaches art in the afternoons and money management and safety issues in the mornings. During a recent visit to Profiles, visitors found these budding artists hard at work on items suitable for Valentine's Day.
Antonio said the art lessons started out simple. "We started with an apple," he said. "And it's just grown from there." He said the consumers have painted still lifes, cowboy boots, flowers and Christmas trees, to name a few. "I try to let them have a say in what they want to do," he said.
"This has helped them find their hidden talents and has boosted their self-esteem and self-confidence," said Fliss, who noted the art lessons are part of the consumers' regular curriculum. She said the idea for Christmas cards started several years ago when she needed a card to send from the ILS staff and one of the consumers designed one for that purpose.
"We've very excited about the art lessons and the store," Fliss said. "It's a very unique program."
Fliss noted she and Buster Lackey, ILS development director, recently learned they have received a $6,750 Very Special Arts start-up grant through the University of Central Arkansas. The grant will enable them to purchase much-needed art supplies, such as easels, brushes, canvases and paints. Fliss said this will better enable Profiles to develop the artistic talents of the approximately 70 consumers at the center.
"But we will always need supplies," Antonio said. He said the center gladly accepts donations of supplies, and money, noting that even scratched or marred picture frames can be retouched at the center.
Herb Evans, director of Profiles, said the artists' works have already been on display at the Department of Human Services office in Little Rock. Future art exhibits are planned in Conway at True Service Credit Union, which is located next door to Profiles, and at the Faulkner County Library.
Evans pointed out that proceeds from the sale of the artwork goes to the consumer, many of whom live in group homes operated by ILS.
"This is not just another gift store," Lackey added. "It is a yearlong fund-raising project for ILS." He noted that by next year, they hope to be able to offer local businesses custom-designed Christmas cards.
"We've been wanting to do this (open a retail store) for quite a while," Evans said. "Profiles opened up in February 2000 with 36 consumers. We now have 62 and in a week or so, we'll be up to 70 or 75. I like to tell people that it's a real blessing that we have such a service as this to offer people with disabilities."
Extraordinary Things is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. In addition to the unique artwork, the store also offers a variety of other gift items such as jewelry and candles.
For more information on Profiles or the Extraordinary Store, call the ILS office at 327-5234. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.
(Staff writer Carol Rolf may be reached at 505-1257 or e-mail crolf@thecabin.net.)
