Whether for the intellectually challenged or the physically disabled, an introduction to the Visual Arts has long since been considered extremely beneficial. Fine art can have an undeniable calming effect on those with anger management issues. In addition, the physical effort involved in painting can offer exercise to those with physical challenges.
So it’s no little surprise that there are a number of “rising stars” among visual artists with disabilities in the United Kingdom, and indeed, all over the world.
Visual art has been able to help students with normal intellects do better at school. It has been claimed that the selection of colours or the acquisition of painting and drawing skills can help make neural pathway connections. Even photography and sculpture can be beneficial: Molding clay can help to strengthen weak limbs, and painting or photography can have a calming effect.
Once these skills are established it’s easier to acquire different ones in the years ahead. So, with children who have learning disabilities these neural connections can help forge developmental skills and offer opportunities for self-expression and individual development. All this can eventually even help them grow in confidence and forge a career for the future.
Just a few of the incredibly long list of Visual Arts activities that can benefit the disabled or challenged, are lantern making, comic book drawing, mask making, personal maps, sculpture, making puppets, water colour and acrylic painting. Groups who can benefit can come from state or private school, the homeless, children in care or adults/young people with learning disabilities. In recent years people recovering from strokes and other illnesses have also found comfort and a renewed interest in life.
In no small part the ARTISTS who dedicate their time and their art must be applauded. Some of them have never worked with the disabled before. Occasionally they have to face up to their fear of the uncomfortable or unknown. Some artists have been known to say “I didn’t know how I’d react, how they would react to me? How would we communicate?” They soon discover that the language of Fine Art, craft and sculpture is one that most people can speak whatever their background or limitations. Just a couple of afternoons teaching and helping those in need, by sharing their talents, can be more rewarding than they ever dreamed.