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The I AM ABLE™ Public Service Initiative was established to provide opportunities to enhance and maximize abilities of children and adults with challenges. This Initiative strives to create life-changing events through programs which target research, education, outreach, evaluation, diagnosis, management and assistive technologies.
I AM ABLE focuses on empowering individuals who have challenges. This empowerment comes from solutions and information needed to overcome the barriers that are faced each day. These solutions can be a new assistive device, comprehensive assessment and management, an ability to go to school or get a job.
The Able Kids Foundation is proud to sponsor the I AM ABLE™ Art Extravaganza!, an annual art competition for student artists with disabilities in Larimer and Weld counties in Colorado. This annual recognition will be given to creative student artists who represent the true spirit of I AM ABLE.
“We believe the I AM ABLE Art Extravaganza! is a wonderful opportunity to showcase student artists’ abilities, student creativity and their inspirational work truly personify I AM ABLE,” stated Able Kids Foundation CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Joan Burleigh.
One of the outreach goals of this program is to encourage active participation by student artists with severe disabilities. The Foundation partnered with Respite Care of Larimer County to involve the families they serve. Respite Care provides 24/7 care for children and young adults with severe disabilities.
Positive recognition is the targeted goal of the I AM ABLE Art Extravaganza! A participating ribbon and medal was awarded to each and every artist who submitted their art. First, second, and third place recognition medals and cash awards were given to the artist in all categories. The entries in each area were judged on expression of ideas, originality and creativity.
“The expression of art is often based upon life experiences or from a unique way of looking at the world. This insight visualized by students with disabilities can open a new window of artistic expression and this simply must be recognized,” stated Jo Waldron, President and Co-Founder of the Able Kids Foundation.
We are proud to announce the 2008 I AM ABLE™ Art Extravaganza! award winners are:
Outstanding Elementary School Artists:
1st Place: “Amazing Paint” fabric design painting by artist Poetry Green (Age 10) McGraw Elementary School
2nd Place: “Cloud Strike” pencil drawing by artist Abel Maki (Age 12) Tavelli Elementary School
3rd Place: “The Dragon” sculpture by Liam Burk (Age 10) O’Dea Core Knowledge Elementary School
Outstanding Middle/Junior High School Artists:
1st Place: “Have a Heart” glass mosaic art by artist Nick Reyes (Age 15) Respite Care of Larimer County
2nd Place: “Doodle Pad” foam art by artist Besa Haise (Age 14) Boltz Junior High School
3rd Place: “Fish” watercolor painting by artist Jessica Sutherland (Age 14) Respite Care of Larimer County
Outstanding High School Artists:
1st Place: “Jack Sparrow” oil pastel drawing by artist Kelsey Thomas (Age 18) Mountain View High School
2nd Place: “The Wild” oil pastel drawing by artist Brian Donohue (Age 17) Mountain View High School
3rd Place: “Untitled” tempera art painting by artist Colin Sutton (Age 15) Respite Care of Larimer County
Outstanding Post-Secondary Artists:
1st Place: “Kindred Spirit” acrylic painting by artist Shelli Ingle (Age 19) Community Connections
2nd Place: “Untitled” tempera art painting by artist Patrick Ham (Age 19) Respite Care of Larimer County
3rd Place: “Sunrise” watercolor painting by artist Emily Hartinger. (Age 19) Respite Care of Larimer County
Best of Show Award:
“Have a Heart” glass mosaic art by artist Nick Reyes (Age 15) Respite Care of Larimer County
“My art shows a big heart and that is for my Mommy and the other hearts are all the ones I have to give away."– Nick Reyes
People’s Choice Award:
“Tomato Soup Bowl” pottery by artist Sally Valenzuela – O’Dea Core Knowledge Elementary School (Age 13)
The Able Kids Foundation 2008 I AM ABLE™ Art Extravaganza! Awards Program is supported by Poudre School District, Thompson School District, and Respite Care of Larimer County.
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