St. Madeleine Sophie's Center and the Autism Research Institute Join Forces to Further Artistic Ability in Disabled Adults

Kensington Gallery to host a celebratory Valentine's Day party with a "Mazel Tov" and "Kitchen Kitsch" exhibition. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) February 08, 2014 - San Diego, Calif. - St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, the East County vocational day program for more than 400 adults with developmental disabilities recently announced its partnership with the Autism Research Institute and the Kensington Gallery. It is a natural alliance for the Kensington Gallery and Sophie's Gallery & Gift Shop to share the Kensington space as they have a long history of working together.

Both organizations will have five art exhibitions throughout the year along with two collaborative shows in 2014,. These will include various works of art from local artists and pieces created by Sophie's artists. The art program focuses on fostering a positive environment for members to express themselves through their artistic ability.

Every week, students are taught a variety of media such as painting, jewelry making, fused glass, weaving and pastels. In turn, the finished works of art are featured and sold at the Sophie's Gallery & Gift Shop, and now the Kensington Gallery.

"We are excited about our collaboration with the Kensington Gallery and ARI as we relocate to Kensington, a unique neighborhood with a reputation as a quiet hub of creativity with a heart for art" said Wendy Morris, Sophie's Gallery Administrator.

To celebrate this joint collaboration, the Kensington Gallery will host a Valentine's Day party with a "Mazel Tov" and "Kitchen Kitsch" exhibition from February 8 through 28, 2014. The exhibitions will feature mosaic pieces, produced by Sophie's artists and mosaic wall panels by local artist Kim Emerson. Kim studied with the renowned artist James Hubbell. Her largest commission was for Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego. All works are for sale and benefit adults with developmental disabilities .

For more information about St. Madeline Sophie's Center, please visit www.stmsc.org.

About St. Madeleine Sophie's Center
St. Madeleine Sophie's Center serves 400+ adults with developmental disabilities, ages 22 to 70+. Its mission is to empower its students to discover, experience and realize their full potential as members of the greater community. Developmental disabilities include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other cognitive disorders, for which there are no cures. Programs are offered on a staff-to-student ratio of 1:3 to 1:6, depending upon the level of each student's disability. These programs include: Activity Center; Adult Development Center; seniors (for adults age 50+); Behavior Modification; Supported Employment; and Work Activity Program. Under these program areas, students can participate in the following activities: Sophie's Gallery Art Program; Adaptive Computer Lab; Therapeutic Organic Garden and Worm Farm; Therapeutic Aquatics and Special Olympics Swim Team; Culinary Arts; Aerobics/Fitness/Yoga/Tai Chi; Dance (in collaboration with Malashock Dance Company); Theatre Arts; Music Therapy (on campus and in the community in collaboration with Rock and Roll San Diego in Point Loma); Reading; and Speech Therapy/Sign Language.

Sites: St. Madeleine's has three sites: its main campus on the outskirts of El Cajon; Sophie's Gallery and Gift Shop in Downtown El Cajon; and a satellite gallery, Sophie's Gallery at NTC Liberty Station.

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