How We Work

The DLAC teaching staff supports our emerging and established artists depending on their individual goals and needs. DLAC instructors with a background in fine arts or arts education may help an emerging artist master the techniques they need to achieve their artistic visions or work with them to help them establish their artistic identity. DLAC trained art therapists may work with individuals who benefit from the therapeutic aspects of art- making, for example military veterans with PTSD, caregivers and respite providers and elders with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. And all DLAC instructors are adept at inclusive, adaptive practices, with particular expertise in serving students with disabilities.

With the DLAC’s focus on accessibility and inclusion, culturally sustaining practices and adaptive art methodologies a broad spectrum of DLAC students are able to benefit from participating in process-based art making. These benefits include access to a supportive community, increased independence, improved critical, creative, social-emotional and communication skills and the capacity to express themselves in new ways, while working toward their individual goals and self-development. The DLAC also advocates for individuals with disabilities and other conditions by showcasing their strengths and talents via public exhibitions and providing vocational opportunities. In our studios and in our communities the DLAC promotes dignity, creativity and community for people with disabilities and special needs through art.