OpArt
OpArt — A collaboration with the Newburyport Opportunity Works, OpArt provides individuals with disabilities hands on art instruction using different media, techniques and materials, and the chance to realize their life’s ambitions through the creative process related to the visual arts.
In 2004, the NAA started an art-training program for the associates at Opportunity Works in Newburyport, MA. An NAA volunteer and staff member facilitated the program on a weekly basis in an open classroom environment using very basic art materials, such as crayons, poster paint and construction paper. Program funding was provided by the NAA, and a first exhibition of the associate's work was held at the NAA in February of 2005.
Today, this important art education outreach program, called "OpArt", is managed by a NAA board member with the help of five volunteer NAA Members and the support of NAA staff. In addition it has grown to include:
- Participation of nine talented associate artists working with advanced art supplies and techniques, to include acrylic paintings, pastels, water colors, charcoals, photography and sculpture.
- Five successful exhibitions are held during the year starting in February at the NAA, and ending in December in Portsmouth, NH.
- Growing recognition at the regional and state-wide level for quality of artwork created, and the program's positive impact on artists with special needs.
- Ongoing sales of OpArt artwork with 80% paid to the artists and 20% rolled back into the program.