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Whitewater's Studio 84 connects people with disabilities to art

Janesville Gazette (WI) - 6/28/2015

June 28--WHITEWATER -- Kelly Gunn never thought her dream of publishing a children's book she wrote and illustrated would come true.

This year, Gunn, who is legally blind, finished her book.

She now reads it to children at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library in Whitewater.

"Just because you have a disability, that shouldn't stop you," Gunn said as she painted a sunset at Studio 84 in Whitewater. "Yeah, I can't drive, but there are other ways to work around that."

Gunn is one of about 20 students who spend time each week at the nonprofit art studio in downtown Whitewater. She can be found with her nose nearly touching the canvas and a smile on her face.

Gunn credits her book to hard work and the studio, where for two hours a week she is away from St. Colleta, a residential home in Jefferson, and painting landscapes.

The studio is a place for people of all ages--with or without cognitive or physical disabilities--to come together, make art and inspire others with the help of staff.

The studio, which also has a gallery of student artwork, opened in July 2009 after founder and executive director Deborah Blackwell earned her bachelor's of fine arts degree at UW-Whitewater.

During her time at UW-W, Blackwell volunteered at the university's Center for Students with Disabilities.

Blackwell eventually began researching studios for people with physical and cognitive disabilities but then decided it would be better to have a place for people of all abilities to come together and create art.

"We feel art is the one place there are no wrong answers," Blackwell said. "No matter what you do, it's OK. I think that self-expression in that form is so important for so many people."

The studio, 121 W. Center St., also has a branch in Watertown. The studio offers programs throughout the year and individual studio time when students set their own agendas.

Blackwell has noticed students grow through their time at the studio because of the art and interactions.

Gunn said she has become an artist since coming to the studio in 2012.

Before, Gunn didn't know if her brush was touching the canvas or paint until she realized she could sense in her hand the brush's contact.

Gunn said she has realized her disability does not define her.

"I didn't think I could paint," Gunn said. "It's brought me out of my shell."

Art is one way for her to communicate that to the public.

When she reads to the kids at the library, she has them close their eyes or put on a blindfold while painting or drawing a picture.

"They can experience what it's like to be totally blind," Gunn said.

People with disabilities are on limited incomes and often have decisions made for them, such as living accommodations and meals, Blackwell said. With art, people have complete control.

Creating something of your own and being proud of it instills feelings some may not have daily.

"Everything they do in art is their choice and their decision, and that's extremely empowering in their life," Blackwell said. "It brings such confidence and such independence and pride and acceptance into a world that is otherwise not as accepting of them."

About 90 percent of participants at the studio have a disability, Blackwell said. The majority are adults with annual incomes of less than $10,000.

The studio tries to keep fees as low as possible, Blackwell said.

She hopes to bring in enough donations to make the studio free or offer scholarships.

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(c)2015 The Janesville Gazette (Janesville, Wis.)

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