× Upcoming Events In the Harris Family Gallery A Brief History of Weathervane Playhouse Mission and Vision Statement For an Enjoyable Experience Board of Trustees and Staff Our Generous Donors Our Hardworking Volunteers Show your Support Past Events
Home In the Harris Family Gallery A Brief History of Weathervane Playhouse Mission and Vision Statement For an Enjoyable Experience Board of Trustees and Staff Our Generous Donors Our Hardworking Volunteers Show your Support
Image for In the Harris Family Gallery
In The Harris Gallery

IN THE HARRIS FAMILY GALLERY

Weathervane Community Playhouse is proud and honored to showcase artists in The Harris Family Gallery who are part of the Hattie Larlham Art Program.

Established in 1961, Hattie Larlham is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 1,500 children and adults throughout Ohio. Headquartered in Mantua, OH, the Hattie Larlham Center is home to 124 residents with profound physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides them with residential, medical, educational, recreational and work training services to enable them to live their best, healthiest lives. Hattie's Art Program is a part of this. It is a one on one art enrichment program that empowers those with developmental disabilities to communicate through artistic expression.

"Art Coaches" are creative artists who assist in carrying out another artist's vision. At Hattie's Art Program, the Art Coaches are an extension of the artist's tools and supplies. The Coaches establish a functional communication system with the artists to ensure their project is successful. Utilizing charts and a complex series of "yes" or "no" questions, Art Coaches respond to the artist's choices and answers by applying color, form and texture to the work in progress. As a result, the artist's ideas are translated into a tangible work of art. Some of the artists are able to apply color and texture themselves with minimal assistance.

Just as Mary and Colin, the young children in our current production, find peace and happiness in the discovery of "The Secret Garden", these special artists have found their joy and safe haven at Hattie Larlham. There, they can convey their thoughts through their Art Coaches and create the beautiful artwork displayed here in the Gallery.

All artwork featured in this exhibit was handmade by the residents of Hattie Larlham and their Art Coaches and is for sale. Each piece is priced at $35. Learn more about Hattie Larlham and the services and programs at: www.hattielarlham.org. To make a purchase, inquire at the Box Office. All proceeds from any sales go back to Hattie's Art Program.

Marci Paolucci
Gallery Curator

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ART COACHES

The Art Program at the Hattie Larlham Center serves as a medium for self-expression, offering an adapted and accessible approach for individuals with disabilities. The program allows our residents to convey feelings, thoughts and experiences utilizing their unique abilities and showcasing their personalities. Art is both a personal and collective experience that allows residents to connect with themselves and others through shared emotions, ideas, and techniques.

EMMA'S BIO

"Hi, I'm Emma! I'm an art coach who works one-on-one with people who have developmental disabilities. I'm passionate about creating a safe, welcoming and encouraging environment where they can feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their creativity. I love using art as a way to help each individual build confidence, develop new skills, communicate, and most importantly, have fun.

Every person is unique, and I enjoy getting to know each of their individual personalities, interests and strengths so I can make our time together meaningful and enjoyable. I'm currently studying psychology, which has strengthened my interest in understanding people. This has deepened my passion for supporting people in ways that help them feel understood, valued and successful. It's incredibly rewarding to watch everyone grow in confidence and discover what they are capable of doing and I'm grateful to be a part of the journey."

MARLEE'S BIO

"When I first joined this facility, I worked as a Direct Care Assistant (DCA) on the residential units. It didn't take long for me to fall in love both with my job and the incredible residents I had the privilege of supporting. Even before becoming an Art Coach, I found myself creating art with them whenever I had the opportunity.

When the Art Coach position became available, I knew I wanted to continue building these relationships while helping residents express themselves through creativity. Because I already had strong connections with many of them, I was able to create an art program centered around each individual's unique abilities, interests and personality.

Every project is resident-driven. Whether we're painting with our feet, adapting tools to make art more accessible, or even laughing through the occasional flying canvas, our goal is always the same: to help each resident create in a way that is meaningful to them. Art isn't about perfection--it's about self-expression, joy and celebrating what each person can do.

It is an honor to witness their creativity every day, and I hope you enjoy their artwork as much as I have enjoyed helping bring it to life."

Image for In the Harris Family Gallery
In The Harris Gallery

IN THE HARRIS FAMILY GALLERY

Weathervane Community Playhouse is proud and honored to showcase artists in The Harris Family Gallery who are part of the Hattie Larlham Art Program.

Established in 1961, Hattie Larlham is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 1,500 children and adults throughout Ohio. Headquartered in Mantua, OH, the Hattie Larlham Center is home to 124 residents with profound physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides them with residential, medical, educational, recreational and work training services to enable them to live their best, healthiest lives. Hattie's Art Program is a part of this. It is a one on one art enrichment program that empowers those with developmental disabilities to communicate through artistic expression.

"Art Coaches" are creative artists who assist in carrying out another artist's vision. At Hattie's Art Program, the Art Coaches are an extension of the artist's tools and supplies. The Coaches establish a functional communication system with the artists to ensure their project is successful. Utilizing charts and a complex series of "yes" or "no" questions, Art Coaches respond to the artist's choices and answers by applying color, form and texture to the work in progress. As a result, the artist's ideas are translated into a tangible work of art. Some of the artists are able to apply color and texture themselves with minimal assistance.

Just as Mary and Colin, the young children in our current production, find peace and happiness in the discovery of "The Secret Garden", these special artists have found their joy and safe haven at Hattie Larlham. There, they can convey their thoughts through their Art Coaches and create the beautiful artwork displayed here in the Gallery.

All artwork featured in this exhibit was handmade by the residents of Hattie Larlham and their Art Coaches and is for sale. Each piece is priced at $35. Learn more about Hattie Larlham and the services and programs at: www.hattielarlham.org. To make a purchase, inquire at the Box Office. All proceeds from any sales go back to Hattie's Art Program.

Marci Paolucci
Gallery Curator

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ART COACHES

The Art Program at the Hattie Larlham Center serves as a medium for self-expression, offering an adapted and accessible approach for individuals with disabilities. The program allows our residents to convey feelings, thoughts and experiences utilizing their unique abilities and showcasing their personalities. Art is both a personal and collective experience that allows residents to connect with themselves and others through shared emotions, ideas, and techniques.

EMMA'S BIO

"Hi, I'm Emma! I'm an art coach who works one-on-one with people who have developmental disabilities. I'm passionate about creating a safe, welcoming and encouraging environment where they can feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their creativity. I love using art as a way to help each individual build confidence, develop new skills, communicate, and most importantly, have fun.

Every person is unique, and I enjoy getting to know each of their individual personalities, interests and strengths so I can make our time together meaningful and enjoyable. I'm currently studying psychology, which has strengthened my interest in understanding people. This has deepened my passion for supporting people in ways that help them feel understood, valued and successful. It's incredibly rewarding to watch everyone grow in confidence and discover what they are capable of doing and I'm grateful to be a part of the journey."

MARLEE'S BIO

"When I first joined this facility, I worked as a Direct Care Assistant (DCA) on the residential units. It didn't take long for me to fall in love both with my job and the incredible residents I had the privilege of supporting. Even before becoming an Art Coach, I found myself creating art with them whenever I had the opportunity.

When the Art Coach position became available, I knew I wanted to continue building these relationships while helping residents express themselves through creativity. Because I already had strong connections with many of them, I was able to create an art program centered around each individual's unique abilities, interests and personality.

Every project is resident-driven. Whether we're painting with our feet, adapting tools to make art more accessible, or even laughing through the occasional flying canvas, our goal is always the same: to help each resident create in a way that is meaningful to them. Art isn't about perfection--it's about self-expression, joy and celebrating what each person can do.

It is an honor to witness their creativity every day, and I hope you enjoy their artwork as much as I have enjoyed helping bring it to life."