Artwork turns dream into reality
By KALEY CONNER
Many hopeful artists dream of the day when their work will be displayed in a major gallery. And though she's only been painting for about five years, that day has come for Hays resident Wanda Burton.
It's a feat that defies the odds and obstacles; a dream that might have seemed unlikely. Burton completed her masterpiece -- a self-portrait -- despite a developmental disability.
"It makes me feel great," Burton said, her eyes shining and a big smile on her face. "It makes me feel good that I can do stuff that I've never done before."
Burton is one of 70 artists who will be featured in a special display at the Smithsonian Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture in Washington.
The art will be on display Monday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the American Network of Community Options and Resources, an association of organizations that supports community integration for people with disabilities.
She also is one of about 10 students in an art class for individuals with developmental disabilities at Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.
The artists love to compete, so instructor Barbara Carlin planned an in-house contest after hearing of the national opportunity.
Each student created several self-portraits, and the best one from each artist was chosen by their peers. The final pieces then were displayed for all faculty and students at DSNWK's Hays Reed Development Center, and Burton's piece received the most votes, said Carlin, who has been teaching the art class for about nine years.
"I believe that everybody has a creative side," Carlin said. "It allows them to express themselves."
The group experiments with various art forms, including painting, drawing and pottery. They currently are constructing a garden mosaic in front of Reed Center and will learn how to make glass beads next.
Students also have traveled to nearby art museums and display their work locally during gallery walks and an annual display at Hays Public Library.
A space on an upper floor of the center has been transformed into an art room, and the students proudly showed off their various creations.
Carlin said many other students have expressed interest in the course, but budget restrictions have made it difficult to expand. DSNWK has been struggling for years with decreased state funding. Community donors and participants pitch in for various supplies and projects, she said.
For enthusiasts like Burton, however, the opportunity is well worth it.
"I never knew how to paint," she said. "I never knew how to do any type of art.
"I never thought that my drawing or any of my paintings would go to Washington, D.C."