Disability Awareness Month
SEEKING ARTISTS!
The deadline for submissions is March 12, 2021.
March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities continues to recognize the month by celebrating inclusion in the arts. We use this campaign to showcase with audiences all across the country the excellent work and talent individuals with developmental disabilities have by celebrating abilities, artistic talents, ideas, products, and cultural diversity!
While the events throughout the month may look a little (a lot, really) different this year, we still would like to celebrate and recognize artists and various mediums of art statewide. Typically we host an in-person event where people can come and display their artwork, crafts, and talents. This year, we are hosting the exhibition virtually and there are many ways you can participate! We encourage anyone wanting to virtually showcase their great skills by creating slideshows of artwork, a quick video, or even an audio recording. We will be sure to coordinate when your piece will be displayed during the month. We are seeking artists of all natures to showcase their work, including but not limited to: painters, crafters, potters, woodworkers, leatherworkers, jewelry makers, sculptors, comedians, poets, etc.
Artwork will be displayed virtually on our website, via our Facebook Page (Wyoming Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities), and potentially our listserv, which reaches hundreds of individuals and organizations nationwide.
CLICK HERE for the application
If you have any questions, please contact Kayla Green at (307) 777-7358 or email kayla...@wyo.gov
Check back with us for more updates on the 2021 March Developmental Disability Awareness Month
Summary of the 2020 Luncheon
Date of Event: March 12, 2020
Event Location: Little America Hotel and Resort – 2800 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82009
Approximate number of Attendees: 158
Content of the event:
The event focused on Advocacy and celebrating March as Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The Council does this celebrating artists and various mediums of art state wide. Mediums of art included origami, original watercolor paintings, etc. An activity called a “quick draw”, where multiple artists complete a piece of art over an hour, took place during the event.
Wyoming State Advocates in Leadership (WYSAIL), the State’s current leadership group, conducted an activity to start the event off. The Wyoming Arts Council followed WYSAIL and presented on their Council’s grant options, organizations, and various programs that focus on inclusion – the programs include health and wellness, arts and recover, and others that focus diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The main lunch presenters was Leslie O’Hashi with Bodylines Dance Studio, a local dance studio in town. Leslie presented on Bodyline Dance Studio’s various available programs, her detailed training to provide an inclusive studio. She and multiple dancers from her program for a short performance.
Overall, the luncheon was well attended and well received. Attendance was down from last year; the main factor was the uncertainty and precautions taken by individuals during the time of COVID-19. Another factor that was that the event was hosted on a Thursday; Wyoming tends to have more attendance for this event when it is hosted on a Friday. We plan to host the event on a Friday in 2021.
Testimonials were taken during this event. Three questions were asked:
What is something you learned today – what is one thing you will take way from today that you can use in the future?
Two of the response were:
“This was a great connection to programs I did know were available. I plan to contact the programs featured today for my daughter” – Brittany Hankinson-McGovern, Family Member.
“Everyone has talent” –Jennifer Tatro, Person with DD
What impact does that arts have on your life and in your community?
Two responses were:
“It makes everyone smile when you all like art. It helps my self-esteem and yours” – Karlena Bertagnole, Person with DD
“I love any kind of Art, expression is very important and there are so many ways to express yourself it’s beautiful” Kathlyleen Bannon, Family Member
How do you plan to celebrate March Developmental Disability Awareness Month?
Two responses were:
“Keeping positive Attitude for my partners, coming to luncheon and spending time with DD Family Members” Kathlyleen Bannon, Family Member
“DO more in the Community” – Elizabeth Nevin, Person w/ DD