Creativity knows no limits

<p>The human desire to be creative and expressive isn't limited to just those who are able-bodied. For those living with developmental or physical challenges, art offers a vital, welcome avenue for expression and communication. There's a freedom in art that's not bound to physical limitation.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>It's for this reason that the non-profit organization Alchemia exists — to nurture and support the creative expression of the differently abled.</p><p>Founded by Lorin Kaufman and Julia MacDougall, Alchemia offers a variety of classes in the expressive arts to individuals with developmental problems. Some of its members have Down syndrome, while others have had accidents that have left them with an injury and subsequent disability.</p><p>Alchemia's arts programs include visual, music and theater arts, as well as vocational training to help its members find employment.</p><p>In February, Alchemia celebrated one of its long-held visions with the opening of Art Without Labels, a storefront where members can display and sell their works of art. All proceeds of the store go directly back into Alchemia to help its members.</p><p>“Alchemia's mission has been to provide arts and vocational programming to the disabled community as well as bring interaction between its members and the greater community,” said Susan Boyle, store manager and director of Alchemia's Petaluma site. “The store is the perfect marriage of those two things and provides a vocational outlet for the artists. They all make money from the sale of their art and have the opportunity to work at the store. We eventually would like to have a co-op model where all members are earning money from the store.”</p><p>In addition to providing a venue for member art, Art Without Labels hosts monthly events such as poetry readings and artist receptions.</p><p>“We wanted the store to be a community venue as well,” said Boyle. “We've gotten such a great welcome from the community. Our hope is to bring in more music and film nights, and really showcase the whole breadth and width of the arts we have to offer.”</p><p>Art Without Labels is also a venue for a variety of visual arts classes, which are taught by local artists.</p><p>“We teach eight to 12 art classes a week here,” said Boyle. “Everything from ceramics and computer animation to fiber arts is taught by local artists. The teachers are just amazing in their own right and have traveled the world exhibiting their own work. We're lucky to have them. The classes are structured differently. Some of them are open studio, where members can come and work on projects they're interested in. Other classes, such as portrait painting, are more structured. Usually, when a class finishes a project, we have an art reception.”</p><p>Art Without Labels is preparing for a fundraising dinner and art reception on Wednesday, July 28 featuring a meal prepared by chef Christopher Greenwald of Bay Laurel Culinary.</p><p>“He came into the store one day and approached us with the idea of doing a dinner,” said Boyle. “He thought this was a beautiful place, loved what we do and said he'd love to hold a dinner here. We're really excited about it.”</p><p>The dinner will be held at the store, located at 111 Kentucky St. Tickets are $65 per person.</p><p>“Art Without Labels has been a lot of years in the making,” said Boyle. “Providing the greater community with access to the art of our members makes our members much more excited about what they do. You can see the excitement in their response. They love to talk about their art and how it affects them.”</p><p>For more information on Art Without Labels or Alchemia, call 775-3794 or visit www.alchemia.org. To purchase tickets and view the menu, visit www.brownpapertickets.com.</p><p>(Contact Yovanna Bieberich at yovanna.bieberich@arguscourier.com)</p>