06/20/18
HAYS, Kan. – Starting this fall, Fort Hays State University’s Department of Art and Design will collaborate with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas to provide art workshops to the clients of DSNWK’s Reed Center and Employment Connections.

Amy Schmierbach, professor of art and design and creator of the Collaborative Arts Project, will assist students as they lead clients through structured art experiences focused on weaving, drawing and photography.

“The goal of this project is to expand the arts in the Hays community to help reach more individuals,” said Schmierbach. She said another goal of the project is to create “more opportunities in the arts.”

In addition to leading the workshops, students will collaborate and create art with the clients. The project provides students with opportunities for collaborative and community art experience. Additionally, it raises awareness of underserved communities in the Hays area.

“Individuals served by DSNWK already have the ability and creativity to create art,” said Schmierbach. “These collaborations will evolve their work into a contemporary art installation.”

The project is funded by a Creative Arts Agency Arts Integrations Grant written by Schmierbach and Maliegha Siglinger-Albers, Hays. Albers recently graduated from FHSU with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

DSNWK serves community members with a variety of special needs, including autism, Down syndrome and other cognitive disabilities. DSNWK will match funds for the project.