CORVALLIS, Ore. — People with developmental disabilities have a chance to create and express themselves through art, thanks in part to support from the Pacific Power Foundation. The foundation provided a $3,000 grant to The Arc of Benton County in support of its art programs: Art Focus, Art Careers and Art for All. Foundation funds will help offset the costs of supplies such as paint, mat board, brushes and paper, and will fund temporary storage for the paintings.

“We are proud to provide the financial support that will help bring art materials to enrich the lives of those with developmental disabilities,” said Doris Johnston, regional community manager for Pacific Power. “We hope that, through this donation, individuals served by The Arc will continue to share their creativity.”

Elizabeth Black, leisure coordinator and visual arts facilitator for The Arc of Benton County, shares her knowledge with the artists in the use of paints, large surfaces and a variety of brushes and tools. Black encourages self-expression in a welcoming and encouraging setting. The Art Focus and Art Careers programs use large-size paper to provide more room for artists to create and to encourage a wider range of motion. In the Art for All program, large sheets of paper are placed on the floor to enable people in wheelchairs to paint with the help of specially designed foam rollers on long extensions.  

The artwork, once completed, is matted and offered for sale for $55 and up to $300. The Arc retains $5 of the proceeds, with the remaining dollars going to the artist. Some of the artwork also is used in the design of greeting cards, which also are sold.

“Daily, I celebrate the gift of artwork and our excellent staff,” said Karin Frederick, executive director of The Arc of Benton County. “The art programs capture the imaginations of artists and supporters alike. The results are satisfying and beautiful. We are very grateful to the Pacific Power Foundation for recognizing the programs and offering funding.”

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About The Arc of Benton County

The Arc of Benton C ounty is a not-for-profit organization that focuses its efforts on enhancing the lives of people who have developmental disabilities. The Arc believes that all people with cognitive disabilities and other related developmental disabilities have the right to a typical lifestyle with opportunities for an appropriate education, as well as meaningful work, recreation, friendships and spiritual and/or personal growth. We further believe that these opportunities should exist within our community, utilizing local resources and facilities to the maximum extent possible. For more information, please see www.arcbenton.org .

About the Pacific Power Foundation

The Pacific Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States . The foundation was created in 1988 by PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 1.7 million customers in six Western states as Pacific Power (Oregon , Washington and California ) and Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho ). The foundation's mission, through charitable investments, is to support growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/ppfoundation .