FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 14, 2006

Contact: Ellen Schulman
(954) 895-3152
eprosep@bellsouth.net

Paintings By Ann Storck Artists Return to
NSU Alvin Sherman Library

For the past six months, 25 artists with severe physical and mental challenges from the Ann Storck Center’s award-winning Expressive Arts Program have been creating works for the fourth annual Ann Storck Center Expressive Art Exhibit at NSU.  The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, runs from December 4, 2006 through January 8, 2007 at the Nova Southeastern University Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center, located at 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd. in Davie, Fla.  

The artists have created five unique paintings through the inspiration of music, from jazz and salsa to classical and blues.  These acrylic paintings, along with 13 other pieces from the Ann Storck Center’s permanent collection, will be on display at the exhibit.  According to Karin Batchelder, director of fine arts for the Ann Storck Center, each of these paintings will include documentaries that explain the influence of music on brushstrokes, style and form.

“The music influenced everything from brushstrokes to color,” she said. “High energy salsa music, for example, motivated the artists to use sharp brushstrokes and brilliant colors.”

For more information about the event or how to purchase prints of the exhibit pieces, call 954-584-8000 or visit www.ascfl.org.  Reproductions of the pieces can be ordered through the Center.

Although these artists receive assistance with everyday tasks, they’ve learned to become accomplished artists.  Among the artists will be participants from previous exhibits, including Mindy, Lennie, and Bennie.  Works by Linda, Cathy, Bobby, Caroline, Rosie, Rose, Jevon, Jimmy, Nikki Sue, Earnest, Rhonda, Joan, and Jesse also will be featured.

“Our artists have created beautiful works in past years,” said Executive Director Jim McGuire, “but the addition of the interpretive music this year has resulted in brilliant creations by people who have limited ability to express themselves verbally, but infinite ability to express themselves through art.

“We’ve discovered some incredible talent through our Fine Arts and Expressive Arts Program and are thrilled to be able to share these pieces with the community through this exhibit.  We appreciate the support we receive from NSU to make this event possible.”

The Ann Storck Center, a nonprofit organization known for its ability to discover unique abilities in individuals who are severely mentally and physically disabled, hopes to increase the awareness of its work and the talents of its Fine Art program participants through this exhibit.  In 2003, the Broward County Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities recognized the Expressive Arts Program as “The Most Innovative Project by a Local Private Industry.”

Nearly 40 years ago, Nurse Ann Storck brought hope and a chance to gain independence to a special, but disregarded, group of children who were developmentally disabled.  Today, the Center named in her honor, serves our 300 children and adults with severe and multiple developmental disabilities, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism and mental retardation. 

A nationally-accredited non-profit human service organization, the Ann Storck Center neighborhood campus in Fort Lauderdale features a preschool for infants and toddlers up to five years old, a developmental training program, and three family-like homes for children and adults with severe and/or multiple disabilities. The Center also operates five professionally staffed and equipped homes in other local neighborhoods, including the Gizmo House, a high-tech “smart” single family home for six residents, and the Pembroke Pines Cluster.

For more information about the Ann Storck Center or how to purchase prints of the exhibit pieces call (954) 584-8000 or visit www.ascfl.org.

The Alvin Sherman Library is a joint-use facility between Nova Southeastern University and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. As the largest library facility in South Florida, NSU students and faculty, as well as Broward County residents, have access to one of the best academic and research facilities in the area.

To reach the library, take I-595 to the University Drive exit. Go south to SW 30th Street, and turn left (east). Pass the Miami Dolphins Training Facility on your right. Continue to Ray Ferrero, Jr. Boulevard and turn right. The Library Parking Garage is on the right. Public parking costs $1 per hour. Pay in advance at one of the meters located near the elevator in the southeast corner of the garage. You may add time at a meter located in the library near the Connections Café entrance. The library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday; and 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday. For more information, call (954) 262-5477.