Oro Valley Library invites you to view an exhibit by the Special Eats Artists, on display until August 31, 2024.
Artist statement:
The mission of Special Eats and Special Eats Sweets is to employ and empower neurodiverse individuals by offering high quality employment.
In August of 2023, Irma Santa Cruz was hired as the Art Director, Jacob Torres was hired shortly after as a job coach and art assistant. The members of the organization were on a journey of self-discovery, artistic growth, and fulfillment. The art team nurtured creativity, imagination, wonder, and a sense of possibility. The art team was introduced to core foundational skills structure, lighting, shadow, color, and composition. Guided by the art team, the budding artists experimented with these newly found skills to create a variety of media. Each week the artists turned out an assortment of creations such as Gelli prints, acrylics, watercolor, pour art on canvas, and abstract painting. The members used color and texture to convey depth and emotion in their artwork. As the members’ artistic skills improved, so did their self-confidence, family interactions, and pride.
Ultimately, the goal as artists is to create works that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and connect. Transcending language and culture, serving as a universal language, bridging divides, fostering understanding, and sparking joy in others.
This is a momentous opportunity to have the members’ work selected and showcased at the Oro Valley Public Library for the community to enjoy.
