Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of employment/positions will be available at the Art Gallery?

Talking to potential customers about displayed artwork, checking customer’s out/making change, keeping the Gallery clean and organized, mailings, answering the telephone, handing out information about the Studio and Gallery, as well as information on The Arc of the Capital Area.
All of these responsibilities will teach participating Arc client’s important job and life skills, such as socializing, money management, administrative tasks, that they can use in future places of employment and as participating members of the community.

2. What type of curriculum will be implemented? Who will provide the employment/life skills training?

Participating clients will be provided a job description and an employee manual. These materials will be created by The Arc of the Capital Area’s Operations Manager (who currently creates these documents for Arc staff), as well as the Marketing and Development Director, Randi Knight, who created the Collaborative Works of Art program. Case Manager’s will be included in the employment process to ensure that all materials and training are complementary to the learning methods and levels of our clients. It is our hope to rotate positions in the Gallery so that every client has an opportunity to learn a new skill. Curriculum and training methods will be evaluated on a regular basis in order to continuously improve and meet our goal of teaching job and life skills to people with special needs.

3. How many clients were served in the pilot programs? Any outcomes?

There have been over 20 clients who have participated in the Arc Art Classes, which have been held at both AMOA-Laguna Gloria and St. Andrew’s Upper School. Each semester, the classes are full within the first few days after announcing them. Students are thrilled to meet new people (true friends), create artwork, and get out into the community. It gives them a sense of purpose, and allows them to express themselves visually and verbally. They leave each class with a confidence their caregivers/family members have not seen, or rarely see.
Unfortunately, the classes cannot continue on a regular basis because we must rely on the two venues mentioned above for available space. We are basically providing this service according to Laguna Gloria or St. Andrew’s schedule.

4. How will revenue and funding be generated?

The Arc of the Capital Area will hold art classes on a sliding scale (or free if need be) basis, which will allow us to generate revenue from the program. We will also sell the artwork that is created, as well as t-shirts, and other items in the Gallery. Clients whom sell a piece of artwork will receive a percentage of the sale.
In addition, the Gallery and Studio will become a place where donors, sponsors and members can come to visit and actually witness our services in action. Currently, we are unable to provide a visual of what we do and who we serve. This visual will help The Arc obtain future funding.

5. What is the ideal space for the Studio & Gallery?

The ideal space is one that is at least 2,500 square feet, wheelchair/handicapped accessible, and large enough to house all of our supplies, the classes, and the gallery. The space will have plenty of light and will be a safe and warm environment for our clients. It is our goal to create community awareness and foster inclusion for our clients, so a location that is a high traffic area with good visibility is important.
If the space permits, we would also be able to expand our Respite Care services by offering them in our new building.