The Arts at Bost program is an excellent way for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities to experience a creative outlet, achieve their goals of artistic expression, and improve self-confidence. We believe all forms of art have educational applications. Our classes teach self-expression and communication, as well as helping the artists meet their life goals by being able to socialize, create, and be a part of something greater than themselves. Classes are starting soon!
Art Program-
The Art Program at Bost begins the fall session on September 8th, 2022 and runs until December 15th. The Art classes are two hours long from 2:30 to 4:30 at the Foster building. There are three 10-week sessions a year- Spring, Summer and Fall/Winter. Each session serves 12 individuals. The classes are taught by Artist Cathy Mason with assistance from Bost Staff Tyera “Birdie” Knotts and ArTs Coordinator LaDawna Dillman. Topics and projects that will be covered in the Fall Session include color theory and mixing, value and shading, ceramics and wood sculpture as well as a Christmas themed artwork. The Art class has three upcoming shows where they will show and sell artworks created in class- October 7th is the DDS Fall Food and Craft Fair in Little Rock, Arkansas, October 8th is the Farmers and Artisans Market at Chaffee Crossings’ Oktoberfest, and Dec. 15th will be the Bost Art Class Christmas Project Show and Competition at Bost.
ACTS Program-
The ACTS program begins the fall session on September 13th and runs until November 15th. The ACTS class is one hour from 4:15 to 5:15 at ACHE. There are three 10-week sessions a year- Spring, Summer and Fall/Winter. Each session can serve 12-15 individuals. ACTS is a community-based program designed to provide opportunities for engagement in the performing arts for individuals with all abilities while also encouraging occupational therapy students to understand the empowerment of human capabilities through the arts. The classes are directed by Dr. Jennifer Moore with assistance from the OT students and Bost Staff Tyera “Birdie” Knotts and ArTs Coordinator LaDawna Dillman. The program is divided into 2 phases. During the first phase, occupational therapy students engage small groups of performers in the OINCS system. During the second phase, occupational therapy students lead the small groups in rehearsals and then the director develops transitions to connect the small groups with the overall story and performance. The group put on a play during the summer session called The Black Out and will be working to create a new script during the fall/winter session.
Dance Program-
The dance program begins the fall session for Adults on September 22nd and runs until December 8th, classes are from 12:45 to 1:45 at ADC. The dance program begins the fall session for Preschool on September 29th and runs until December 8th, class is from 1:00 to 1:30. The dance program is in partnership with Western Arkansas Ballet and is under the direction of Executive Director, Melissa Schoenfeld. The classes serve 24 adults and 8 preschoolers. They are 30-minute classes that include stretching, ballet, and jazz movements.
Joining the waitlist- If you are a consumer or know a consumer who is interested in joining the waitlist, please contact your waiver manager or call The ArTs at Bost Coordinator, LaDawna Dillman at 479-478-5603.