Art can be an avenue to creative discovery and freedom. Such is the case for participants in CSMA’s Artistic Intelligence Program. In honor of Disability Awareness Month, we want to share what our program is all about and its benefits within the community.
CSMA’s Artistic Intelligence program is held in partnership with the Morgan Autism Center, AbilityPath and the Mountain View Los Altos School District. Students participate in weekly classes in music, art and dance.
Marita Musante, art instructor for the program, says that students discover new forms of creative expression. She has been teaching in the program for five years.
“Art is their universal mode of engaging with the world and expressing themselves,” Musante said. “They get to put their art in the world without labels on it.”
Participants are introduced to a variety of traditional and non-traditional art forms. From painting, ceramics and mixed media to sculpting and environmental art with recycled materials, the range of projects is colorfully diverse.
More importantly, less developed artists are given a space to thrive. Non-verbal students are discovering ways of expressing themselves, and students who might like to hone in on a specific task are discovering art as a way to gain focus.
The program welcomes varying abilities and ages range from 18 to 65. Classes are held weekly. Lessons are designed to provide hands-on arts experiences in a supportive, encouraging environment. End-of-semester art shows and musical performances celebrate the students’ achievements and provide a sense of belonging and a welcomed place in CSMA’s community of artists and musicians.
Sara Cedano, Community Integration Program Director at Morgan Autism Center, said the art shows are a favorite for her clients. She is often impressed by their unique creations and likes to see the pride they take in their work as they share it with their families.
“It’s really nice because a lot of what we do is routine-oriented and there’s a lot of structure,” Cedano said. “CSMA really allows them to be creative. It’s not something that our adults get a chance to do. They’re often being told what to do. The art classes give that autonomy back.”
Cedano shared that some clients haven’t ever been asked, “What do you want to do?” The Artistic Intelligence program is just another avenue that allows them to do what they want to do,” she said.
Musante says the program serves about 60 participants per year. Their mantra is “Anyone can make art and art can be made from anything.”
After years of working with the students, what she enjoys most is seeing their growth.
“Can you imagine walking into a room and everyone is smiling at you for no reason? It’s a very nice way to start my day,” Musante said. “You get to see tremendous growth. You’re working with folks who are pursuing a passion.”
Cedano agrees that their passion shines through in their artwork. The weekly classes are highly anticipated.
“A lot of our clients look forward to working with Marita. She’s been with them for five years and that relationship has been built,” Cedano said. “It’s allowed them to trust the process. She’s really good at connecting with them and meeting them where they are.”
By TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton
