ArtWorks Gallery & Studio is proud to announce that several of its talented artists have been selected to feature their designs and poetry in the Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI Program’s 2025 Developmental Disability Awareness Month poster design project. This initiative, which runs throughout March, highlights inclusivity, creativity, and the empowerment of individuals with developmental disabilities. The posters will be showcased on the Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI Program website and shared with the broader community to raise awareness and appreciation for individuals with disabilities.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following ArtWorks artists for their outstanding contributions:

Lizzie Jones

Tia Searfoss

Alex Rusnak

Genevieve DeLong

jaime McCormack

Shanna Eshelmann

2025 Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MHDS Celebration of Abilities
Congratulations Keanyn Richardson! We are thrilled to celebrate you during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month as we strive to raise awareness and promote inclusion.

Each of these artists has demonstrated remarkable creativity, bringing their unique vision and artistic talents to this meaningful project. Their work is a testament to the power of self-expression and the importance of representation in the arts.

According to Nadyne Gabello, Coordinator of ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, these projects provide an exciting and collaborative experience for participants:

“When ArtWorks receives an invitation to participate in a project, there is always a group of students who eagerly jump at the opportunity. These students love a good challenge and the excitement that comes from engaging in creative projects. They especially appreciate the opportunities that allow them to showcase their talents and collaborate with others on various ideas. Their ability to work together and explore new concepts contributes to the fun and learning that take place in these projects.”

Gabello further emphasized the value of these artistic endeavors, noting that they foster a supportive environment where individuals build confidence, develop their skills, and form meaningful connections through the arts. “The dedication and enthusiasm of our students at ArtWorks exemplify what it means to embrace challenges with creativity and passion.”

A Celebration of Artistic Expression

The inclusion of ArtWorks artists in the 2025 Developmental Disability Awareness Month poster project is a testament to the talent, dedication, and creative spirit that thrive within our program. By participating in this initiative, these artists are not only showcasing their abilities but also contributing to a broader dialogue about inclusion and empowerment in the arts.

ArtWorks remains committed to providing individuals with developmental disabilities a platform to express themselves, build confidence, and make meaningful connections within the arts community. We encourage everyone to visit the Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI Program website throughout March to view the inspiring work of our artists and celebrate the power of creativity and inclusion.

About the ArtWorks Program

ArtWorks Gallery & Studio is a fully licensed day program for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Supported by Beacon Specialized Living, ArtWorks offers waiver-eligible services that focus on fine art instruction, exhibitions, and community engagement. Located at 236 Penn Avenue in downtown Scranton, ArtWorks provides a modern exhibition space and seven unique classroom facilities, allowing individuals to explore various artistic mediums such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, and screen printing.

With a mission of “celebrating the artist in each of us,” ArtWorks immerses individuals with developmental disabilities into the broader arts community, offering them diverse opportunities to grow as artists and engage in meaningful creative pursuits.

One of the most significant aspects of the ArtWorks program is its Day Option initiative, which provides individuals with an alternative to traditional day services. Participants can choose to focus on fine arts and receive professional instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture, and more. Through this program, artists develop their skills and prepare for community-based exhibitions, learning essential professional practices such as pricing, writing artist statements, and presenting their work.

Community Engagement and Expansion

ArtWorks is an integral part of the First Friday art scene in Scranton, a citywide event where galleries and local businesses showcase artwork to the public. This monthly event fosters community integration, allowing individuals served by ArtWorks to engage with art enthusiasts and fellow artists in a dynamic and welcoming environment.

In recent years, ArtWorks has expanded its services to include programs in Susquehanna County and Wyoming County, providing additional opportunities for artists to exhibit their work in venues such as the EMCA Gallery in Tunkhannock, the Dietrich Theatre in Tunkhannock, and the Susquehanna County Courthouse.

Congratulations once again to our talented ArtWorks artists for their outstanding achievements!

Author

  • Alex Furman is the Executive Director of Marketing with Beacon Specialized Living. He holds an MS in Strategic Leadership and Communications from Purdue University. Before his time at Beacon he served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He has a background in copywriting, creative writing, and event management.