Hutchinson, KS – February 17, 2016 – The Training and Evaluation Center of Hutchinson has started construction on a permanent art studio and gallery to better serve their clients. This has been a part of the long-range plan for TECH, and a generous donation put the art studio on the fast-track.

The studio will be located in TECH’s 14 West Avenue B location (formerly Midwest Feed), and will feature creation and design space, as well as a gallery wall for display. The space will also house equipment needed to make artfully-designed silk scarves and ties. Previously, the 2,600 square feet of space in the building was unusable because it lacked an interior entrance, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical amenities.

Funds for the studio were made possible by the Bobby Megli estate. Megli was a community member who quietly admired the work of TECH, and the people served. Megli did not make his intentions known to the TECH staff prior to his passing, and the generous gift came as a welcomed surprise.

“It was an honor to be recognized in Mr. Megli’s estate. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to thank him personally for his generosity,” Brenda Maxey, TECH’s President and CEO said.
Maxey said when his family visited TECH she showed them the temporary art studio, and shared her vision of having a more functional space. At the time, TECH had just completed a Suzy Bogguss benefit concert, and a special collection was taken at the annual Holiday Festival fundraiser for the project. However, all the funds needed to complete the project were not secured.

“Having a creative outlet means so much to the people we serve. Art provides self-worth and independence to adults with disabilities in such a powerful way,” Maxey said.
Megli’s family members loved the idea and offered the estate funds as a way to make the dream of the art studio a reality.

While the temporary art studio served its purpose, it had some limitations. The location is separate from where many of the people TECH serves go for daily services, meaning transportation had to be arranged.
“For adults with disabilities, moving from place to place isn’t always easy. And for some of the people we serve, new spaces bring anxiety. We felt like we couldn’t serve all who were interested with our art programming,” Maxey said.

The temporary studio also lacked appropriate places for activities such as washing brushes, steaming scarves and ties, and spilling paint on the floor. The new space will be specifically designed for all those things and more, and will be made with adults with disabilities in mind.
The project is on track to be completed May 1st, and TECH plans to have a dedication ceremony and open house for the community.

“We want to have a time where the community comes to celebrate – art, the people we serve, Mr. Megli, and many others – there are so many things to be joyful about,” Maxey said.
For more information on the TECH art studio, please contact Brenda Maxey at 620-663-1596 or brenda@TECHinc.org for more information.