Supplementary Visit

To make up for some of the rotations I will be missing, I am attending sessions at my local Jewish Community Center (JCC). They have a weekly art class for adults with special needs. This was my first time there and boy it was an experience. The group numbered 12 students, 1 lead teacher, 3 helpers plus myself, and 2 adults who sat there and did nothing but comment. Two of those helpers were young, one must have been about 9 years old although she was great. The students were excited by the new element (me) and a few "claimed" me. It was loud, crazy, and fun. I realized that I had some connection to a few of the students. One man actually lives down the street from me (after he found that out, I no longer had a name, only "hey, neighbor") and another guy bags groceries at the store I shop in (I actually recognized him). There were about 8 guys, 4 girls and a very large range of skill level and ability. Still, everyone did what they could do and they all enjoyed. This week we made bags. Each person was handed a piece of square burlap. they were to cut off the edges, glue it into the pouch shape by folding it in half, and then decorate it. They were given a variety of felt in funky colors and patters and a bunch of pre-cut shapes if they had trouble with cutting. They then glued on their decorations and at the end, we cracked out gems and feathers for those who wished. There was one woman in particular who was gem crazy and had the best time with it. After that, there was plenty of time to finish a project from last week. They had made coil pots out of clay and it was time to paint them. So they poured paint into disposable cupcake wrappers and handed those out. Everyone was encouraged not to stick to one color and to paint the whole thing. Again, you could really see a big difference in skill. I loved working with these guys and I was told to come back often. I think I will.