TECH Art Program
Art Programs for Adults With Disabilities
Sparking Artistic TalentThe TECH Art Program enables adults with disabilities to receive coaching from a TECH Art Coach who teaches about different art media and guides participants as they create original art. You will have the ability to sell final pieces through the TECH Art Gallery, which also has an online store, retaining 80 percent of the proceeds from the sale of your artwork.
Shop the TECH Art GalleryWhat to Expect
Participants in the TECH Art Program at 14 West Avenue B in downtown Hutchinson have the opportunity to make:
- Art for calendars, cards, coffee mugs and wine charms.
- Art for scarves and ties.
- Original paintings.
- Art for prints.
The TECH Art Program History
Early Years
Arts and crafts has always been a part of the Adult Life Skills (ALS) program. In the early years, we were fortunate enough to have an ALS staff person who happened to also be an artist that could hold classes periodically, but when they retired, and the art requests kept increasing, it was time to look at doing something a bit different. We knew this was a program that the people we serve enjoyed and excelled at, so it was important to TECH to find a way for growth. Thus, a vision was quickly created.
An Idea Born
Brenda Maxey, President/CEO of TECH at the time, reached out to the TECH Board of Directors for assistance with our vision. She had purchased a silk scarf by a person with disabilities from an organization called Opportunity Village in Las Vegas, Nevada, and wanted help figuring out how to make that opportunity available to the people TECH serves. The response from the board was overwhelmingly positive, and many spent hours doing research on the art of painting silk and setting dyes, leading us to experiment with the TECH participants in the Adult Life Skills (ALS) program.
TECH Tuesday
With the help of grant money and TECH funds, equipment was purchased, and we all learned together how to paint silk scarves and ties. We also added classes where basic art skills were taught and developed. Local artist, Julie Black, began volunteering her time each week, teaching classes on painting. This time of week quickly became known as “TECH Tuesday” to many of those on social media. People looked to see what was happening with the TECH clients. Our clients LOVED it!
Today
The all-hands-on-deck approach and support from our TECH Board and the community are what has made the TECH Art Program what it is today. While we still offer silk scarves and ties for sale, our TECH artists have expanded into other mediums, and original paintings and prints are definitely the most popular items these days.
What People Are Saying
All of the artists at TECH do a wonderful job on their paintings. I am so thankful to all of the staff that help them to bring out their creative style. If you have not seen any of the paintings, go to the Wiley building and look at all that are displayed. You can even purchase one!Brenda Partridge
We are parents of a 40-year-old son with Down syndrome. TECH encouraged us to help him live in the 'least restrictive environment.’ He has lived in his own house for 20 years. TECH still provides services and programs that help him live a very full life. He is a TECH artist, texts and emails, rides the RCAT buses, is an usher at church and works as a part-time custodian. Hutchinson, Reno County and we are blessed to have an organization like this.Larry and Pat McLain
Contact Us About the TECH Art Program
If you would like more information about the TECH Art Program, please contact us at (620) 663-1596 or complete the secure online form.