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RHD's LMVTC art studio featured in Main Rotunda at State Capitol
2/8/2012 2:27:41 PM
Artists from the Studio at Lower Merion Vocational Training Center, an innovative creative arts program for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, are currently featured in the Rotunda at the state capitol in Harrisburg, thanks to Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery.
Rep. Briggs, a staunch supporter of much-needed services at risk of budget cuts, hosted LMVTC in Harrisburg. He gave the artists a tour, including a visit to the House floor, and arranged for their artwork to be displayed in the Rotunda from Feb. 7-17.
"We can't thank Representative Briggs enough for his support and his incredibly kind and gracious offer," said Lori Bartol, LMVTC director. "It was a great day for our participants; seeing their work on display was very exciting, and getting to see this amazing building was an experience they'll never forget. Moments like these are so important for people seeking to define themselves as artists with something to say."
Rep. Briggs Briggs represents the 149th Legislative District in Montgomery County.
"It was a pleasure to meet these artists, view their artwork, and show them around the state Capitol," Briggs said. "These men and women obviously have incredible talent, and I was happy to help them display their art so everyone in the Capitol also could enjoy it."
Briggs added the under Gov. Corbett's budget plan unveiled yesterday, funding for groups like LMVTC is in severe jeopardy.
"These men and women work so hard to contribute to the community and it brings them so much pleasure," Briggs said. "It would be a travesty to the people in our community if programs like these are left unfunded."
LMVTC works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other mental health diagnoses to create independent opportunities through community employment, volunteer opportunities, and community participation.
LMVTC combines a focus on arts-based skill-building, education, in-house generated vocational opportunities, community involvement and the promotion of the work of its participants. LMVTC artists work in an atmosphere of ownership, freedom of expression, encouragement, engagement and laughter, building their own vibrant, creative community.
