Louder than Words

Donna McGoff shuffles excitedly in her blue windbreaker and red capri pants across the floor of Paddy's Coffee House, pointing to two of her paintings hanging on the wall.

"That one's mine, the one with the hearts and the outer-space one," she says giddily.  "The one with the hearts" is, as it sounds, a sheet of paper with a series of hearts in different sizes drawn in color pencil. Likewise, "the outer-space one" features stars and circles to represent the solar system. These warm, innocent drawings are endearing. And she has a personality that matches her work.

McGoff has been making art since she was 15. "I love to do it!" she exclaims. "I love it, I love it."

When asked her age, she replies: "Sweet 16, never been kissed but badly slobbered over." But her youthful energy can't disguise her white-hair and wrinkles — she's 67.

McGoff, a Union City resident, is one of many developmentally disabled adults showcasing their work at the Advocacy, Respect and Commitment of Alameda County's art exhibit and sale at Paddy's, running through Oct. 24. ARC of Alameda County provides a variety of services for more than 600 adults with developmental disabilities in the county, with facilities in Union City, Hayward, San Leandro and Livermore.

The 40 works of art on the walls and on shelves at Paddy's allow viewers to peer inside the minds of the artists. The pieces, collected over the years, range from abstract feather paintings and watercolors to drawings of animals and cartoon illustrations.

When their art is sold, the client receives 75 percent with the remainder set aside to pay for supplies and operation. But the prices are low, ranging from $10 to $25, with arts cards selling for $2 each.

During the Oct. 1 opening reception, ARC sold several sets of art cards and paintings, including both of McGoff's contributions, raising more than $300.

Organizing the exhibit and coordinating the arts program for ARC is Director of Program Development Shannon Jurich, who volunteers her time to the arts project.

"Inherent in all of us is the spark of creativity," Jurich says. "Our clients aren't always able to express themselves verbally. Sometimes they need a creative outlet and this is one outlet for them."

Four years ago, Jurich bought a sculpture online from an art house in Manhattan, Kan. The artist and owner saw Jurich's email signature and inquired about her work. She soon donated pieces of Raku, a form of Japanese pottery, for Jurich's clients to paint on. Jurich thought, "What else can I do?"

Jurich has since received mini-grants from the state to buy supplies to make "art cards," blank greeting cards featuring the works of ARC clients. It wasn't until last year that Jurich publicly showcased her clients' art at an ARC event. Soon after, Chabot College and The Book Shop in Hayward began selling ARC clients' art cards.

While ARC of Alameda County does not have a formal arts program, art is taught through their Alternative Ventures Program, which provides a series of life skills activities including arts and crafts, physical fitness, reading and cultural awareness.

Many of the clients continue to do art in their spare time under Jurich's tutelage, including Michael Joiner, a Union City resident in SCOPE, an ARC adult development program for those with severe disabilities.

Joiner, 27, has made art for as long as he can remember.

"It relaxes me, keeps me calm," he says. He and McGoff are the only two clients present at the Paddy's reception, and he's come dressed to impress in a blue shirt and tie. "I feel good, I feel great," he says.

Joiner's contribution is the only linocut painting in the collection. Linocut is a relief printmaking technique similar to woodcutting. Joiner's piece is small but vibrant, full of abstract impressions and coloring.

Despite Joiner's mental and physical handicap—he uses a wheelchair—he continues to push himself. He also writes poetry and sings in choir and has his sights set on attending college, either Chabot or Cal State East Bay. He has yet to make up his mind, but he knows for sure he wants to study art.

"I gotta keep the art going," he says.

Since 2005, ARC of Alameda County has worked with Union City's Leisure Services department. Recreational Supervisor Chris Valuckas welcomed ARC to participate in Kennedy Community Center's arts and crafts and recreational programs. Several of ARC's Union City clients also contributed their artwork to the "Circle of Hope" tiles that surround the American flag at the Flight 93 Memorial.

"We've been very lucky to have such wonderful and strong community support," Jurich says.

Union City council member Carol Dutra-Vernaci attended the Oct. 1 reception. She's proud that Union City recognizes the disabled community and partners with them.

"Working with this group is heartwarming," she says.

Jurich recently purchased three digital cameras. Her clients are taking photos of flora and fauna in the East Bay. The project is slated to wrap up in December.

"It's really cool," she says. "We're just trying out different things."