Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Q: What is The Magic Paintbrush Project ™?
The Magic Paintbrush Project ™ builds bridges for special needa families by blending the needs of the individual with the needs of the family. Creatively capturing the abilities of the special needs individual and their caregivers with art materials. The Project enables participants to work together in new and exciting ways.
The Magic Paintbrush Project's unique approach was developed to meet the needs of the individual, family and caregivers. Our program focuses on the abilities of the family while embracing the challenge of a special needs diagnosis, therapeutic regimen and daily living. The Project expands the boundaries and relationships between the special needs individual and their caregivers, celebrating their unique style, and creating experiences that will last a lifetime.
2. Q: How was The Magic Paintbrush Project started?
The Magic Paintbrush Project started with a single family after their two children were diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. Thus began an unexpected journey with a flurry of specialists, physicians, therapists, educators and service coordinators. The early days included multiple surgeries, occupational and physical therapies, and many differing opinions on how to "fix" the problems. The family was introduced to other parents facing similar challenges and quickly discovered their situation was not unique. There were no "magic" fixes.
They found that the frequent occupational/physical therapy can be "tiring and boring" which can detract from the participant's willingness to engage. Additionally, families are constrained in the amount of time that can be dedicated to therapies. A balance must be maintained between time in therapy and time with other household members. What they also discovered was a need for patience and healing. Strength and hope were found within their own family. Through painting, they spent time together, accomplished rehabilitative therapy goals, and best of all, had fun together. As community awareness grew to this alternative approach, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
To assist families facing similar situations, The Magic Paintbrush Project was established in 2006. Since its inception, there have been requests from individuals familiar with the workshops and strong demand from agencies that support the special needs population. Currently, there are no other organizations in the area providing this service.
3. Q: Who can participate in a Magic Paintbrush Project Workshop?
Families with a special needs loved ones are welcomed and encouraged to participate. We welcome parents siblings, and close family members to join in the fun.
We also support staff and residents of group homes.
Programming is also available for integrated classrooms schools and agencies to who provide services to the special needs community.
To be accepted for a Magic Paintbrush Project workshop, we prefer a referral from a Master Social Work Coordinator (MSC), school district personnel or service agency. Families demonstrate a need based on having an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP), Care Plan, or by having a 504 Designation in place.
4. Q. What are the workshop hours?
artWORKS in the Oakdale Mall is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 - 6:00 by appointment only.
Our other locations are open as events are scheduled.
To reserve your appointment time, please contact us.
5. Q: What are the workshop locations?
For schedules and locations please Contact Us.
6. Q: How much does participation in a workshop cost?
Participation is NOT dependent on the ability to pay, however we do have a suggested donation of $15 per individual when attending a workshop to cover the cost of the paint and other supplies. You will get to keep the artwork which you create.
Scholarships and other funding assistance is available.
7. Q: How do I find out about openings in an upcoming Magic Paintbrush Project workshop?
Contact Us for an appointment and scheduling information.
Please also check our online calendar for upcoming events.
8. Q: What happens to the art created in these workshops?
Participants are able to keep their creations, or they may choose to share them in our gallery.
As pieces are donated to us, they are available for sale. The proceeds are used to purchase materials for the workshops for the direct benefit of the participants.
See our Gallery for more information.
9. Q: I'd like to help, how do I find out more about what's needed?
See how you can Volunteer page or visit our How you can support us, page.
10. Q: How can I help to extend the reach of The Magic Paintbrush Project to other communities?
We are available for speaking engagements and other informational events. Please contact us for our update brochures and current information.
11. Q. What can we expect at a workshop?
Family Fun! The workshops require that every participant have a family member or caregiver join in the fun. It is suggested that everyone come prepared with a change of clothes and ready to participate. Each workshop is tailored to the needs of the participant and their family members. Our facilitator will assist you with the appropriate materials to help you meet your goals and expectations. We encourage activities which color outside the lines and they can get a bit messy. Our staff will support all participants throughout the experience. A typical workshop lasts about an hour and can include paint, clay, colorful papers, movements, communication, music and activities that were designed around you and your needs.
12. Q. What do you mean by Life Is... Washable?
Families and caregivers are taught to be proactive. We clean up the messes before they happen, often choosing not to participate in all of life's benefits because of the potential for a "mess". There are times when life's messes are sources of frustration and completely inconvenient. Making messes is not normally a part of the plan.
The Magic Paintbrush Project helps families and caregivers embrace the challenges of special needs. We make messes, big bright and beautiful messes, and the outcome is a celebration of the ability of the family to adapt and create new opportunities. We teach that it's not about cleaning up or avoiding life's challenges because of the potential, instead we support that the potential is in the mess itself.
Using paints, and other creative art materials, we encourage families to engage. And the resulting artwork is a reflection of their "journey to the mess and back" providing a touchstone for future success.
Although we say that "Life Is... Washable!" we always remind folks that clothes are not stain resistant. We hope that The Magic Paintbrush Project leaves a lasting impression in the hearts of all who come to see the abilities of our families.
The Magic Paintbrush Project Life Is... Washable! ®
Copyright 2006 - 2008 Patent Pending 2008
F.A.Q.
1. Q: What is The Magic Paintbrush Project ™?
2. Q: How was The Magic Paintbrush started?
3. Q: Who can participate in a Magic Paintbrush Project Workshop?
4. Q. What are the workshop hours?
5. Q: What are the workshop locations?
6. Q: How much does participation in a workshop cost?
7. Q: How do I find out about openings in an upcoming Magic Paintbrush Project workshop?
8. Q: What happens to the art created in these workshops?
9. Q: I'd like to help, how do I find out more about what's needed?
10. Q: How can I help to extend the reach of The Magic Paintbrush Project to other communities?
11. Q. What can we expect at a workshop?
12. Q. What do you mean by Life Is... Washable?