OpArt is a partnership between the Newburyport Art Association and Opportunity Works of Newburyport that supports and encourages adults with developmental disabilities to enrich their lives through the art making process. An NAA volunteer and staff member facilitated the program on a weekly basis in an open classroom environment using very basic art materials, such as crayons, poster paint, and co
nstruction paper. Program funding was provided by the NAA, and the first exhibition of the associates’ work was held at the NAA in February of 2005. Today, this critical art education outreach program - OpArt - is managed by coordinators Jenna Signore and Rachel Fort with the help of several volunteer NAA Members. The program has grown to include the participation of talented associate artists working with advanced art supplies and techniques, such as acrylic paints, pastels, water colors, charcoals, photography and sculpture. The artists have enjoyed growing recognition at the regional and state-wide levels for the quality of artwork created. The program is now widely known for the positive impact it has had on artists with special needs over the years. Sales of the artwork in various retail venues support the artists and Opportunity Works, Inc. The program would not be possible without the support of our local funders, The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, the Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation, and The Provident Bank Community Foundation. Please see more about the program at www.newburyportart.org.
