Indiana Arts Commission Awards Cardinal Services $4,000
News
Warsaw, Indiana ─ Cardinal Services has received a $4,000 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission for its RedBird Art Studio, which fosters artistic creativity in people with intellectual disabilities.
The funds will provide supplies and allow Cardinal artists to share their art with the greater community through exhibits and collaborative art experiences. At some locations, including the studio, artwork is also for sale, providing an income for artists.
Goals of the program are to foster creative expression, enhance social skills and engagement, provide meaningful programming, support emotional well-being, and ensure sustainable growth through community partnerships.
Cardinal invites artists living in the community to visit the studio to volunteer, encourage, mentor, and create alongside RedBird artists. Cardinal Executive Director Marcie Arndt explained that this interaction builds community and confidence among RedBird artists.
“Seeing their work embraced by the community enhances the self-esteem and emotional well-being of each artist,” Arndt said. “Whether it’s seeing a painting on exhibit or selling it to a patron, they understand that they have created something of value with their own hands. That’s an amazing realization, and we are grateful to Indiana Arts Commission and their partners for making it possible.”
These activities are made possible in part by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.
