Salvation Army Creative HeARTs open house set Nov. 14

The Salvation Army Developmental Disabilities Program announced its Fifth Annual Art Open House will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Pat’s Pizza in Lewes.

The open house will feature an exhibit of artwork from the artists of The Salvation Army Creative heARTs program. Pat’s Pizza is  at 17644 Coastal Highway, Lewes.

The Salvation Army Creative heARTS started in 2007 and strives to give artists with developmental and cognitive disabilities the opportunity to hone their artistic and creative skills, and help them find opportunities to show the community their artwork.

The artists have been working on a new technique called Acrylic Pour, a method for creating abstract paintings. The process is to layer various acrylic paints in a cup that has blending medium mixed in it. The paint is then poured onto the canvas using various methods.

“Pouring is a great way to create interesting texture, patterns, and marbleized effects to a canvas. Add fun and magic to the process and you have an acrylic painted masterpiece. Although paint pouring is relatively simple, it is not easy,” said Barbara Buford, art teacher for the Salvation Army Creative heARTs Program. “We have been lucky to have Terri Lake, a local acrylic pour teacher, come and teach our artists this new technique.”

The exhibit will feature more than 50 paintings using a variety of mediums. This year the artists will be featuring a wall of What do YOU see? paintings. With the acrylic pour technique, the artists have had to let go and not have control over their paintings. The paint flows when the artists rock their canvas back and forth, and the end result is very abstract. Everyone will look at the paintings and see something different.

The Creative heARTs program members have had their artwork on display at Pat’s Pizza for more than six years. “Our goal every year is to sell out and make it better than last year,” said Alex Kotanides, owner of Pat’s Pizza.

During the Nov. 14 event, Pat’s Pizza is running a special for anyone who purchases a piece of artwork to receive a free medium pizza. More than 30 pizzas were given away last year. The exhibit is an opportunity for the artists to show off their talents to the local community, and many of the artists will be there to talk about the artwork.

The artwork is available year-round to admire and purchase.

“Our artists are like every other artist. They need their hard work validated. It is important that the community comes out and helps the artists feel validated and proud of themselves so they have the courage to keep painting,” said Christy Cugno, director of The Salvation Army Creative heARTs program. “The artwork from the artists of The Creative heARTs program is also made into notecards. When they sell the original painting, the artist receives the money. When they are made into cards and sold, it goes into buying the supplies for the program. Everyone needs to remember Christmas is coming! Start your shopping with us.”

For more information on The Salvation Army, DDP or Creative heARTs program or to purchase cards, call Christy Cugno at 302-934-3730, Ext.111 or email christy_cugno@use.salvationarmy.org. For more information on Pat’s Pizza or to order lunch or dinner, call 302-644-9070 or go to www.Patsfamilyrestaurant.com.