Press release:
The University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), organized in North Buffalo, is a group of artists that serve as a driving creative force and educational resource through the arts to make a positive difference in people’s lives. They have partnered with Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) to provide a new service for people with disabilities, including free art supplies and workshops!
ARTcovz is part of the ARTboothz program of the University Heights Arts Association, which offers sit-down art projects to passersby at community events.
On March 2, at 2 p.m. the first ARTcovz booth will be unveiled at Independent Living of the Genesee Region at 113 Main St., Batavia.
ARTcovz self-serve booths consist of a kiosk/dispenser containing pockets, hooks and shelves. It dispenses prepackaged projects, arts, literature, or CD samplers and a bin at the bottom of each booth accepts donations. Each mini-art kit contains materials and a set of directions for completing a project, a link to further UHAA resources including online databases of additional projects and a schedule of upcoming programs. Each ARTcovz booth caters to the demographic it serves. The ILGR Artcovz will offer disability-sensitive projects.
ARTboothz program served 2,427 people of all ages in 2015 at farmer's markets, festivals, community centers, and special events throughout Western New York. University Heights Arts Association plans to unveil 10 ARTcovz this year. ARTcovz are designed/fabricated by sculptor/furniture maker Lawrence Kinney, of University Heights Arts Association.
UHAA members offer donations, devise projects, put kits together at a series of "Potluck Packaging ARTraiser" events. These events are open to the public or anyone wishing to help or contribute supplies. Donations accepted from the community include colored pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing (graphite) pencils, watercolor/drawing paper, craft paper, origami paper, polymer clay, and books on CD. These items can be donated at Independent Living, 113 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.
UHAA and ILGR plan to to partner for additional programs including workshops and exhibitions. All art programs will be open to people with disabilities. Please contact Rae Frank at (585) 815-8501, ext. 406, or rfrank@wnyil.org with any questions.
