The Turner Center for the Arts, in Maplewood, offers disabled persons the opportunity to express themselves artistically; supported by professional artists.
The TCA has been at 3109 Sutton Boulevard for six years. April 1 the center is moving to 7190 Manchester Road. The new, larger, space, between Simple Moves and Cheryl’s Herbs, will be big enough for designated areas for different activities, including a storefront to feature the artists’ work for sale.
“It will be excellent for our artists,” Executive Director Sheila Suderwalla said.
The center serves adults with disabilities and also has a youth program that integrates children and teens with and without disabilities. “Sometime children with disabilities are not mainstreamed,” Suderwalla said. “This is an opportunity for children to learn from one another. They learn empathy and collaboration.”
The artists range from 10 to 80 years old. More than 120 use the center annually.
Suderwalla said the center provides increased self-esteem, structure and positive socialization. One of the artist’s care-giver says if it was not for the TCA, she wouldn’t be able to support her relative in her home, and would have to be institutionalized.
She said self-determination is big at the TCA.
“This is a drop-in studio, meaning they can come in and stay for how log they like,” Suderwalla said. “It’s their decision, so that helps empower them, it helps give them some sense of control in their lives.”
The center hosts community exhibitions. “It helps break down stereotypes, promotes community integration, and if work sells, the artist gets a commission,” Suderwalla said.
The TCA is supported by individual donations of money and supplies, and they’re always looking for volunteers to work with artists, to help keep the studio organized, do clerical work, and more. Forms for volunteers and new artists are available on the center’s website.