SARAH WOLF NEWLANDS' FRESHMAN INQUIRY IN COLLABORATION WITH PROJECT GROW
"Working with the artists at Project Grow was especially inspirational because of the fresh and always positive perspective they brought to the table. They were all always smiling."
SCOUT ALTER
"Going to Project Grow was definitely not how I thought I would be spending the last few weeks of my term, but it was cool. People were nice to me and I was nice to them, and that’s what matters. I felt a bit awkward being there because I’m not disabled and thought that I stuck out like a sore thumb, but whatever. I learned the life skill of removing house paint from clothing, I’m sure that’ll come in handy later."
ASHLI PENROSE
"Art shouldn't mean business, art should mean happiness."
GAVIN REAR
"Project Grow does an amazing job at creating opportunities for people with disabilities by giving them chances to dream and create work that they're passionate about. It truly is humbling and I would not regret meeting any of the people I've met."
SAMUEL ORTIZ
"The single biggest thing that I am taking away from this experience of working with Project Grow is to just do it. Don’t think too hard or plan ahead, just simply create art."
JESSICA NEWMAN
"The things that I helped create in the studio at Project Grow felt like they had so much weight, and the experience as a whole provided me with invaluable experience in communication. The project put out my fears of getting involved, and made me want to become more active in discussions of disability discrimination, whereas before I would simply read an article or blog post and think, “That’s terrible,” and get upset with society’s stigmatization of disability."
BRETT MEYER
"After meeting a few of the artists at Project Grow, my mind has expanded in the direction of understanding. I am able to understand, and listen, before making judgements or assumptions."
MORGAN MARSHALL
"Project Grow was a fantastic experience. When I asked one of the participants for their biggest piece of life advice, he told me "don't give up on life," and continued to teach me about accepting people for what they are, as well as accepting yourself. I think that this advice effectively sums up the entire idea behind Project Grow. It's a safe space to be yourself and express yourself in any ways you see fit."
KACIE GALLA
"Throughout this experience, I saw talent, love, happiness, and just a lot of people who felt ‘normal’ in a world where they are considered ‘different,’ and I thought that was incredible. When I left, all I could think about was coming back for another visit because my day was inspired."
MORGAN RAYMOND
"My experience pointed out that there are methods of communicating that are often not considered or are not used because we are usually limited to interacting in ways that we are very familiar with or seeing things for what they are. Visiting Project Grow was a step outside of my every day that exposed how communication is fundamental to human interaction, as well as to art."
KARL FREITAG
"I went into this experience feeling scared and unsure. But now, I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity for these artists to share their experience at Project Grow with me."
ASHLEY MOTE
"I learned that through the diverse communities in our society, there are ways to connect despite apparent differences. Creating art is an effective way for the members of Project Grow to connect with their surroundings, emphasizing their personal visions through their works."
Delphine Anton
"I have never really worked with any special needs people before coming to Project Grow. I have experienced the struggles of communication and teaching, but have felt the excitement when they create their art. I would keep in mind that helping those with mental disabilities is a challenge, but it is rewarding."
CALVIN LOWE
"Overall, my biggest takeaway from the entire Project Grow experience is that despite having a disability, people are still capable of producing something of great and meaningful content."
ELIJAH-COLE TABION
"When I first heard that we were going to be working with the Project Grow organization, I was extremely excited because I have had plenty of experience working with kids and adults who have disabilities. But once we actually got to the Project Grow studio to volunteer, I was surprised and delighted to say the least."
RACHEL RESLER
"Being able to collaborate with the staff and artists at Project Grow has, by far, been one of the most eye opening experiences in my life! I really enjoyed this collaboration and all that it has taught me, and I hope I am able to visit more and gain more knowledge."
DEIDRA MCKNIGHT
"I believe that this is one of the reasons that Project Grow as an organization is so special. Instead of the artists simply conveying their thoughts and emotions verbally, they express themselves through their art."
AUDREY BOND
"My big take away from the Project Grow experience was being able to see art created effortlessly, and that’s the real artwork. The artists of Project Grow were inspiring."
ISABELLA MARENCO
"Project Grow had a heavy impact on me. Not only did it change the way I see people of the differently abled community, but it opened my eyes to my blessings and the little things that fill my life with so much light. The people I met at Project Grow were not so consumed with vanity and materials as we often are. They were consumed by love, passion, and emotion which, in my opinion, are much are admirable qualities."
NATALIE HAHN
"Project Grow has taught me to be happy with anything I do. Seeing how passionate these artist are about their work makes me want to boost my confidence and truly be happy with all my work. These artists are phenomenal and I am inspired by their dedication and the passion they show through their work."
EMILY SOFICH
"Project Grow and the unique experiences I had there will forever remind me that people don’t make art, people ARE art, and a little bit of a person goes into every artistic creation that comes from them. Art is alive, constantly changing, and multifaceted, and this is no more apparent than at the wonderful studio of Project Grow."
LINNEAH HANSON
"My big take-away from Project Grow is self-relied thinking. This activity did not have many requirements or relied on many points for the class. This means in order to get the most of your time, you must really take things in on your own to get the most out of Project Grow. The people at Project Grow was a key to empowering my mind."
DEAN RANK