BELIEVE IN YOURSELF: 

A Celebration of the voices, perspectives, and creativity of the participants of the TRAILS Day Program. TRAILS (Tierra’s Recreation, Arts and Independent Life Skills) Day Program focuses on supporting adults with IDD in life skills learning and social well-being. The primary focus areas through which we explore these opportunities for lifelong learning are recreation/adventure, self-expression through the arts, and community involvement/contribution. At TRAILS, we value diversity and each individual’s unique contributions to the world. It is our belief that one of the purest (and most fun) ways to promote equity and opportunity for free expression is through artistic endeavor. The arts give us all equal ground on which to communicate and convey our truest selves. They also allow us the opportunity to build community through creative collaboration, which in turn promotes health, well-being, and a sense of being valued and appreciated for our contributions. Artists in the TRAILS Day Program enjoy working both individually and collaboratively in a variety of mediums. Some favorite forms of expression within the group include painting, ceramics, writing, sculpture, floral arrangement, and music. Whether it’s choice in materials, mediums, and tools, or choice in how we use them, from start to finish, we have choice and voice – something that is not always a given for individuals living with IDD. The energy and excitement we feel when we are able to freely and creatively express who we are and how we experience the world provides confidence that helps us believe in ourselves – both artistically, and in other areas of our lives, as well. We really hope you enjoy viewing our artwork, are inspired, and remember to… believe in yourself!

The TRAILS Team of Artists Alex Bergland, Angelina Olsen, Curtis Koch, David Dunmore, Erin Imes, Grace Williams, Jackson Buhler, Jaimie Diede, Jesse Barke, Josh Pinneo, Keir Keebler, Laurisa Motzkus, Leah Parker, Lukas Corradini, Melissa Ellis, Tim Davenport, Tim McKenzie, Toni Georgetti