KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Today, you can start your holiday shopping and help some budding artists. Johnson County Developmental Supports is hosting a their third annual holiday art sale.
The work was created by 15 people in the Emerging Artists and PaperCrete works programs. They give people with disabilities a creative outlet and a chance to sell their work at affordable prices.
"We try to have the artists make as much money at the end of the year as they can," arts program coordinator Cary O'Dell said.
Items for sale include abstract art, paintings, clothing and even lampshades.
"We have a range of skill level, but they are artists. Some are just innately, it's a gift. Others have come into it later in life. Some use it as a form of communication. They're passionate about it. These artists in our program would be creating art whether we had the program or not," O'Dell said.
The artists also attend other art shows throughout the year.
"It's a win-win. It's a win for our artists to be participating and be accepted in the community. People seek us out. They like our artists. They like the artwork. They come back. They tell their friends about it and they're finding unique pieces of artwork," O'Dell said.
Refreshments will be provided. The artists will also be on hand to meet shoppers.
"When we come together, no matter what kind of groups, we see more similarities than differences. We see the strengths in them and not just that they are adults with disabilities," O'Dell said.
The sale is Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center.
