On April 12th, 2023, ArTs at Bost NWA and Terra Studios hosted their first pottery workshop in Rogers. Four consumers (Jessica R., Deborah J., James M. and Wendy S.) and their staff attended. Wren Crockett from Terra Studios taught the class with assistance from Arts at Bost NWA art assistant, Holly Freeburg. The students learned about the clay (a red variety) practiced with the clay, kneading and working with the clay and then they learned how create an ornament by rolling out the clay, decorating the surface and poking a hole for a ribbon. After making ornaments students learned how to create a pinch pot by rolling the clay and pinching it into a shape that they liked. Students then decorated the surface of the pinch pots. After making ornaments and pinch pots students were able to experiment with the clay and make objects of their choosing. Once students finished their ceramics, they were taken to Terra Studios where they were allowed to dry fully and be bisque fired for the first time. After the first fire they were glazed with Amaco Turquoise glaze and fired a second time. The turquoise glaze with the red pottery provided a beautiful contrast so that details could stand out. The pottery came out amazing and ranged from figures to baskets, bowls and flowers. ArTs at Bost NWA is looking forward to working with Wren and Terra Studios on future pottery workshops.
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The Dance classes have been working on movement and stretching to increase flexibility. The adult dance classes are excited to have been invited to Dress Rehearsal for The Nutcracker Ballet, which is put on by the Western Arkansas Ballet.
The ACTS class has been working on the next ACTS performance around the theme of a jewelry heist- the participants are after a large diamond, and some are creeping and sneaking to steal the diamond while others work to stop the thieves and save the day. Be on the lookout for the performance date as you won’t want to miss this.
The Art class has been learning about three-dimensional art and have created ceramic Christmas ornaments, soap trays and wooden mug trees during the Fall session. Participants learned about how to cut and mold shapes from clay, how to carve designs, learned to attach pieces together and learned about applying glaze to pieces to make ornaments and trays. To make the wooden mug trees they learned to measure the pieces correctly to make the tree balance and worked to hammer the pieces together with a rubber mallet and glue in place with wood glue. After assembling the trees, they painted and added embellishments to the trees. Some participants added clips for Christmas Cards or Photos. Participants also created a large Christmas tree display in the Art room at Foster with hand drawn ornaments. Ornaments and mug trees will soon be available for purchase on artsatbost.com, Blue Umbrella in Little Rock or at the ArTs at Bost Christmas Show and Competition on December 15th in the Frick Building training room.
]]>After a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 virus, Art on the Border returned with their annual art show and sale that was held July 22nd and 23rd, 2022 at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education’s Research Institute Health and Wellness Building. ArTs at Bost and Bost, Inc. had many volunteers, and several artists present at Art on the Border to help with the festivities.
ArTs at Bost volunteers helped artists with registration, unloaded materials and displays, set up booths, helped with the silent auction and games and passed out programs and helped art patrons find booths to shop. ArTs at Bost volunteers also served as artist helpers running individual artist booths when they needed breaks. ArTs at Bost also had a booth at the event that displayed the flags created at the Pandemic Healing Event and helping to educate the public about the ArTs at Bost program.
Art patrons and charity supporters also found a host of mediums to admire and purchase from local and regional artists. The mediums included oils, pastels, acrylics, watercolor, fiber, hand-blown glass, jewelry, sculptures, gourds, digitally enhanced photographs, wood turning and baskets, high quality prints as well as originals. Art on the Border grew from 14 artists in 2014 to 70+ in 2022.
The Classic Charitable Foundation’s Art on the Border event is put on to raise money to support charities in the greater Fort Smith area. The roots of the Classic Charitable Foundation began in 1995 with the presentation of the Mercy Celebrity Classic. Over the years, they have generated more than $2,500,000 for local charities. The purpose of presenting these events has always been to raise funds to assist a wide variety of local organizations serving many in need in our community. Art on the Border raised $70,000 this year.
All the proceeds raised at Art on the Border in 2022 go to benefit four local non-profits- ArTs at Bost, Good Samaritan Clinic, Gregory Kistler Treatment Center, and Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House.
On September 15th, 2022, ArTs at Bost consumers, staff and Bost board member Dr. Gary Udouj met with members of the Classic Charitable Foundation to receive a donation check of $10,000 to support the ArTs at Bost program. After the check presentation everyone had cookies and consumers had their weekly art class with artist Cathy Mason.
ArTs at Bost believes that Art on the Border was an immense success and looks forward to working with the Classic Charitable Foundation in the future.
Pictured: Front row: Stephanie K., Rose K., Jenny F. Sean L., Joshua M. AOTB Board Member Joan McCoy, AOTB Board Member and ArTs at Bost artist Cathy Mason, Carolyn S., Michael D. Back row: Bost Board Member Dr. Gary Udouj, ArTs at Bost Assistant Birdie Knotts, ArTs at Bost Coordinator LaDawna Dillman, AOTB Board Member David Roberts, AOTB Board Member Skip Freeman, and Bost Assistant Executive Director James Maginot.
Check Presentation-Pictured: Bost Board Member Dr. Gary Udouj, ArTs at Bost Assistant Birdie Knotts, Art on the Border Board Member David Roberts , ArTs at Bost Coordinator LaDawna Dillman, AOTB Board Member Joan McCoy, AOTB Board Member Skip Freeman, AOTB Board Member and ArTs at Bost artist Cathy Mason and Bost Assistant Executive Director James Maginot.
ArTs at Bost Booth at Art on the Border featuring flags made by consumers at the Pandemic Healing Event.
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The invitation for Bost to participate with ACHE in this event made it evident that the arts is a tool an individual with disabilities can use to process and heal from difficulties such as living through a global pandemic. Our individuals creating flags with words such as peace, hope, and love to offer as words of healing. Everyone walked together in a spirit of openness and healing.HealH Several were given a chance to share about their experiences during the pandemic and what the ability to come together meant for them. Some shared of the desire to see more unity across the country. They reflected on family members they had lost in the last two years. Some gave thanks to Bost for caring for them during the pandemic when they had no one else. It was a meaningful time for everyone in attendance. These stories shine light on the work of Bost and the need for the arts. We are reminded by our individuals to be resilient and never give up hope.
This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Additional funding is provided by the Arkansas Arts Council, Delta Kappa Gamma Kappa State Education Foundation, and the UCA Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Emily Autry
ArTs at Bost Coordinator
The ArTs at Bost program is an extension of the greater mission and vision of Bost in the Fort Smith community. We aim to empower our individuals through the arts to improve their overall health and achieve greater independence. If you would like to learn more about the ArTs at Bost Program, please visit our website (www.artsatbost.com). You can purchase art that directly supports the artist or donate to our program. Questions? Email artsatbost@bost.org
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