Something very exciting is about
to take place and you are invited to be a part of it. Imagine a place where able-bodied and
disabled people collaborate to create works of art. Imagine a place where the label ‘disabled’ is
no longer necessary. Any artist in the
world who wants an opportunity to express an idea through dance, music,
theater, video, photography or any other art form can be a part of this
extraordinary and magical place. What is
this place? The Arts Ranch of Oklahoma
is a centrally located arts
Currently, The Arts Ranch facility
is in the conceptual stage. Until now
The Arts Ranch has been a small project involving families whose children are
inspired to pursue the arts. When kids
who are traditionally labeled ‘disabled’ or ‘mentally challenged’ are given the
opportunity to share their talents with kids who are ‘typically developing’,
the artwork that results is often exceptional both in its composition and
execution. The collaborative process
creates a learning environment that enables everyone involved to do their best
work and even work beyond their capabilities.
This is true for all participants, not just those with apparent
disabilities.
In order for The Arts Ranch to be
a place with no social, mental or physical barriers; theater, dance and visual
art spaces must all be totally accessible.
There will also be accessible eating and living spaces, classrooms and communal
spaces. The Arts Ranch will include
rehearsal and recital halls, black box and outdoor theaters, meeting and
counseling areas, a piazza, coffee house, studios, editing suites, galleries,
computer labs, classrooms and dormitories and an accessible playground. The Arts Ranch will host a special staff of
artists, counselors, habilitation training specialists and teachers.
One of the most exciting aspects
of this project is the promise for growth in our understanding of human
potential. Not unlike the Space Program
and Olympic training programs, The Arts Ranch will provide for the discovery of
human ability far beyond what we may already understand. The training aspect of The Arts Ranch will
allow for the development of specialists who will return to their communities,
not only trained in the basics of their fields, but also in techniques for
right brained learning skills, artistic expression, behavior management,
positive reinforcement strategies, conflict resolution and many other soft
skills that are often left out of traditional training. The Arts Ranch will be
home to a center for habilitation specialists, teachers and counselors working
in a demonstration environment developing new ways of teaching, exploring and
mentoring.
The Arts Ranch is a place of
connection for universities and organizations that want to interact with
members of the arts community.
Tele-classes, Internet master classes and on-site training in this place
of peace, creativity and artistic expression make The Arts Ranch a spot where
teachers and artists of all ages can enjoy moments of solitude as well as
opportunities for collaboration with world-renowned artists and speakers. This multi-sensory retreat is expected to be
built within natural surroundings using environmental and ‘no limits’
architecture to create accessibility not only to classrooms, arts spaces and
conference areas but also to nature trails and other activities.
Teachers who attend The Arts Ranch programs, whether for a weekend
or a two week term, will learn strategies and practices they can use to create
the same peaceful, artistic environment in their classrooms. Teachers who work with kids who deal with
physical challenges will learn how to acquire and use ‘assistive technology’
and strategies that promote artistic development. Teachers will also be afforded the
opportunity to explore their own creative ideas in a peaceful, supportive
environment. Because The Arts Ranch will
train its staff on site, there will be a sense of community and consistency in
the teaching and counseling styles.
Continual assessments and integration of successful new training methods
will foster professionalism and enlightened mentoring.
The Arts Ranch is a place where
artists young and old, able-bodied and challenged, skilled and newly acquainted
with their art form can explore, believe and achieve. A safe creative space gives artists the
opportunity to experience growth and success in one area. This often empowers the artist to achieve in
other areas of life. The pursuit of
dreams fosters success in the heart, soul and mind both for teacher and
student.
If you think you are someone who
also sees the value in this project.
Come share our vision and join us for an event
that is the beginning of something so big it will change the way we think about
human potential. Attached are
biographies for the principals, Sally Adams and Deborah Bradshaw. Also included
in this packet are The Arts Ranch Vision and Mission Statements.
We look forward to creating
something really big with you!
Deborah Bradshaw
Sally Adams
The Arts Ranch