From the Fair to Studio B2

This year, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair once again held a special Disability and Special Groups Day, giving individuals with disabilities and their families an opportunity to enjoy the fair together. ADEC’s Day Programs and Summer Camp participants attended, enjoying the rides, activities, food, and everything else the fair had to offer.

ADEC also had the opportunity to invite fairgoers to help create a special piece of artwork.

A large banner was placed at the Art by ADEC table, with the Art by ADEC logo hidden with peel-away vinyl to later be revealed. Throughout the day, fairgoers were invited to add their own drawings, colors, and designs to the banner. People of all ages stopped by to contribute. As the day went on, the blank space quickly filled with artwork. At the end of the day, we peeled the logo away, revealing the finished piece. What remained was a colorful collection of artwork created by community members, with Art by ADEC at the center.

This year, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair once again held a special Disability and Special Groups Day, giving individuals with disabilities and their families an opportunity to enjoy the fair together. ADEC’s Day Programs and Summer Camp participants attended, enjoying the rides, activities, food, and everything else the fair had to offer.

ADEC also had the opportunity to invite fairgoers to help create a special piece of artwork.

A large banner was placed at the Art by ADEC table, with the Art by ADEC logo hidden with peel-away vinyl to later be revealed. Throughout the day, fairgoers were invited to add their own drawings, colors, and designs to the banner. People of all ages stopped by to contribute. As the day went on, the blank space quickly filled with artwork. At the end of the day, we peeled the logo away, revealing the finished piece. What remained was a colorful collection of artwork created by community members, with Art by ADEC at the center.

Collaboration is Key

The finished artwork is special, but what makes it even more meaningful is the people who helped create it.

Disability Day was an opportunity for the individuals we serve to be out in their community, participate in activities, and enjoy a day alongside friends, family members, and other fairgoers. The art project gave everyone another way to come together and be part of something special.

The piece will soon have a new home in Studio B2, ADEC’s new creative resource space being developed for our Day Programs.

The finished artwork is special, but what makes it even more meaningful is the people who helped create it.

Studio B2

Carrie, the Art by ADEC Lead, has put in many hours towards this program development. “Studio B2 gives our clients a dedicated space to explore their creativity, learn new skills, and experience the pride of seeing their work become something others value. It also gives our day programs a place to come together and collaborate on larger projects that wouldn’t be possible within a single program.”

Carrie also says about the growing program, “As Art by ADEC continues to grow, we are excited to see more opportunities for our artists to share and sell their work through our gallery, holiday events, and pop-ups throughout the community.”

Carrie cleaning and prepping Studio B2.

Carrie in front of the Studio B2 Banner.

Art is for Everyone

Adaptive tools will also help make creative experiences more accessible. Creating art looks different for everyone, and having the right tools can help individuals participate more independently. The specialized tools will make it easier for individuals to hold brushes, reach paint, and express themselves without having to rely on others. Studio B2 will provide access to more specialized tools and materials, making it easier for individuals to try new things, build skills, and discover art forms they enjoy.

Turning Creativity Into Opportunity

Studio B2 will also build on the work already happening through Art by ADEC.

Through Art by ADEC, individuals we serve create original artwork that members of the public can purchase. When a piece is sold, 60% of the sale goes to the individual who created it, while 40% supports ADEC programming. This gives the artist a way to have income that may not be otherwise possible and experience the sense of pride that comes when you sell a piece of artwork.

Growing Opportunities Through Art

Studio B2 is still taking shape, but we are excited about what it will become. As the space grows, we hope to create more opportunities for individuals to explore different types of art, develop new skills, participate in collaborative projects, and share their work with others.

What started as a blank sheet of paper at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair is now a piece of art that represents community, inclusion, and connection. Now, it hangs in Studio B2 as a reminder of a special day and the people who helped create something together.

The artwork may have started at the fair, but its story is just beginning.

Written by Lauren Srmek, Communications Specialist