Independence through

SEA Program Art Exhibit November 16, 2011 in Georgina

DeafBlind Ontario Services proudly invites the community to attend the Sensory Exploration Arts (SEA) Program exhibit and experience the program first hand.  Grass paintings on canvas using grasses as paint brushes will create unique sensory art by sensory impaired and deafblind artists after exploration of nature’s grasses and native women’s traditional dance while accompanied by the beat of a drumming circle. Visiting native dance artist Suzanne Smoke will perform at the opening of the gallery exhibition on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Georgina Arts Centre and Gallery at 149 High Street in Sutton.  The exhibit will run at the Georgina Arts Centre and Gallery for one month.

The objective of the Sensory Exploration Arts (SEA) program is to promote and foster artistic and creative expression in a visual arts program for individuals with sensory impairments.  The Sensory Exploration Arts (SEA) program is available to clients of DeafBlind Ontario Services and community partners CNIB York Region, Community Living Georgina, Community Living York South, Community Living Newmarket/Aurora, Simcoe Community Services and Bob Rumball Associations for the Deaf.                                                                      

This stimulating and collaborative program has already exposed the benefits of creative expression in individuals whom may not have engaged or viewed themselves as an artist before.

“Each person had their own perception of the experiences given and created a piece of art that reflected what they had experienced or how they wanted to express themselves in that moment.  Everyone had the opportunity to create from their own imagination and make their ideas come to life through their art”, says SEA Coordinator and art therapist Corene Jonat, “Lots of smiling, laughing, quiet focus and excitement can be seen from the artists.”

The artists who are deafblind or sensory impaired have expanded their comfort levels, communication and exploration abilities through these new experiences.

The SEA Program is generously funded by The Ontario Trillium Foundation.