The artist's way

IT’S

and there’s a steady hum of activity at ECF Art Centers’ studio and gallery in downtown L.A. Jazz plays in the background as Jose Hernandez sits at his work station, intently putting the finishing touches on an acrylic of a yucca in bloom, one of several meticulously rendered paintings of desert plants. Across the high-ceilinged main room, Thomas Birdsong mulls over what to add to his series of bold portraits of musicians like Ray Charles and George Harrison. And in a space facing South Broadway, Christina Yoo has arrived ready to work on one of her impressionistic landscapes, assisted by resident instructor Barry Bridgwood.

ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FIND SPACE FOR CREATIVITY AT ECF ART CENTERS

BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ

The studio, one of five in the greater L.A. area, is driven by a singular mission: to o er adults with developmental disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and intellectual challenges a supportive place to explore creative pursuits. The more than 200 artists that ECF serves annually aren't defined by their disabilities here—at this studio, it’s all about the art. “People come to us because they’re interested in art or because they have a drive to make things,” says program director Adriane Mota. “We support their art regardless of what their abilities are.”

When the ECF Art Centers launched in 1968 as an o shoot of the nonprofit Exceptional Children’s Foundation in collaboration with the Otis Art Institute, there were no spaces where adults with developmental disabilities could receive art training. Now, some 50 years later, ECF’s studios open their doors for periodic “art crawls,” and artists can exhibit and sell their work in dedicated galleries. A number of ECF artists have appeared in local shows. In 2021, painter Vanessa McConnell, who’s been with ECF since 1983, was featured in a show at L.A. Municipal Art Gallery. “She wasn’t chosen because she’s an artist with a disability,” Mota emphasizes. “She was chosen because she’s an amazing artist.”

Each center operates like an open studio, providing work spaces, materials, instruction, and mentoring in all manner of creative expression, including drawing, painting, printmaking, woodworking, and ceramics to artists who range in age from 18 to 80. Some require support, such as help mixing paint colors or setting up their work areas, while others work independently. But all are encouraged to follow and expand their interests. Hernandez comes to ECF a couple of days a week in addition to taking courses at L.A. Trade Tech and interning at a fashion business. Of his work at ECF, he says, “I do heavy research on what I want to draw. I don’t just do plants. I also like to study scientific things and historical events,” he adds, taking a break from the yucca painting to show o an illustrated sci-fi book he plans to update.

“Everyone has their own ideas about what a good artist is,” says Mota. “We want people to open their minds about who can be an artist and what art can be.” artecf.org ■