St. Coletta's invited to showcase client artwork at Palos art gallery

Participants in the Community Day Services program at St. Coletta’s of Illinois have been invited to exhibit their artwork at an area art gallery.

The McCord Gallery & Cultural Center in Palos Park will feature about two dozen acrylic paintings by St. Coletta’s adult participants in May.

“Our clients are so proud of the artwork they create during art therapy,” said St. Coletta’s Recreational Therapist Stephanie Wingo. “Having them displayed in a local gallery for the community to see and enjoy takes the experience to a whole new level.

St. Coletta’s of Illinois is a nonprofit organization that provides educational and vocational training services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. More than 300 individuals from the south, southwest and western suburbs benefit from its services each year.

Art therapy is an important component of St. Coletta’s Community Day Services program, building fine motor skills and problem-solving skills; enhancing communication and expression; and promoting self-esteem and motivation to succeed.

Some of the art pieces completed by St. Coletta’s adult participants have been featured at fundraising events, including St. Coletta’s annual Caritas Benefit. One painting was even auctioned off at the event.

New, larger pieces will be created for the McCord Gallery exhibit, which is slated to begin May 6.

But first, St. Coletta’s needs your help purchasing the necessary supplies, including:

·         12 X 16  and 16 X 16 stretched artist canvases

·         Jugs of acrylic paint and activator

If you can help, please contact Whitney Matthis at wjmatthis@stcolettail.org or call 708-342-5200.

We’ve also created an Amazon Art Supply Wish List where items can be purchased online and shipped directly to St. Coletta’s. Please consider making a purchase from the list at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/15SF2DN2U1DA1?ref_=wl_share