Auburn Day Hab visits the Artist’s Lounge

When six student artists from Unity House’s Day Habilitation program visited the Artist’s Lounge in Seneca Falls Tuesday, they knew just what to do.

The selected their ceramic figurines, selected their paint colors and brushes, and found their seats to get to work.

“I like to do painting because it’s fun,” Heather said as she painted a ceramic unicorn, soon to be a gift for a friend. “Anytime I see a unicorn, I think of my housemate Laura. We treat each other like sisters.”

Art instruction is one of the many enriching experiences the Auburn Day Hab provides to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. None of the activities would be possible without the generous support of Unity House donors. Day Hab participants have been attending art classes at the Artist’s Lounge almost every week since October.

“We teach and work with toddlers up to adults and people of all abilities,” said Jessi Pemberton, owner of the Artist’s Lounge. “Every single group is different,” and working with Day Hab participants is especially fun, she said.

Not every space is so welcoming of people with disabilities, said Community Integration Specialist Laura Flanders Sullivan, who accompanied the artists.

“You see stigma in society sometimes and it’s discouraging,” Laura said. “But when we’re here and they start painting, it’s not about their limitations.”

Everyone can be an artist, Jessi said.

“All you have to do is make art.”