Art Explodes at GiGi’s Playhouse!

Last fall, fourteen individuals with Down syndrome put their art skills to the test with our Art Explosion! program.  Due to the large amount of success after a few small workshop classes, a new 5 week programs was created!  Over the course of those 5 weeks, they studied Vincent Van Gough and his two works “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers”, Pablo Picasso and his work “Cubist Portrait”, and last Andy Warhol’s two works “Flowers” and “Space Fruits”.  Along with learning about the history of the art, the students learned how to implement some of the artists’ techniques to create their version of each famous piece. Dick Blick donated all of the art supplies used for these projects.

Getting the art into the community

We were very eager to get the finished art out into the community, and with the help of JS Graphics printing all of their work for free, the pieces were put on display at a gallery downtown! Gallery Victor  included the final works in their December artists’ market exhibition on December 2, 2017! Patrons at the gallery had the option of buying the original or buying a print of the art. Each artist eagerly greeted you at the door of the gallery and quickly showed you where their art was hanging. Showcasing the art in this fashion also turned out to be a great fundraiser! Prints of the work sold for $150 while originals went for $300. GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago received the money raised from the copied work and the artist kept anything resulting from an original purchase. In addition to the photos you’ve seen on facebook you can see our great program video  and slideshow!

Mr Bruce Dempsey

Bruce instructing the students

Bruce Dempsey wrote and will continue to teach Art Explosion! In addition to the art program, he also tutors three students in literacy. Before he became so popular at the playhouse, Mr. Dempsey earned his BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, studied fine art and art history in Florence, Italy and earned his MEd in Higher Education Administration from The University of Pittsburgh. A good friend and colleague brought him to Chicago where he became the Dean of Education for The Arts Institute. He has raised thousands of dollars for childrens’ programs centered around arts and continues to search for fundraising opportunities for GiGi’s. Bruce brings so many talents to the playhouse but his #BestofAll is his huge heart. He has never met a kid he didn’t want to spend time with; and he has no hesitation in working with those who need a little extra help. Thank you Bruce for working so hard so that the individuals with Down syndrome in our community have an exposure to art they would not find elsewhere!

The Dates for the fall Art Explosion! 5 week course are as follows, all programs are from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

August 11, 18, 25

September 8, 15