The Charlotte Art League (CAL) Gallery featured the work of Goodwill participants during the month of June in an exhibit called “Color My Dreams.” The drawings, paintings and mosaics were completed by participants in the Employment Skills Training program – many of whom face intellectual disabilities or mental illnesses.

The second annual event kicked off June 5 with an opening night reception for the community at the Charlotte Art League Gallery, 1517 Camden Road in Charlotte. Goodwill participants were on hand to show off their latest work.

The show continued daily through June 26, with proceeds benefiting the artists. This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Carole Stockton, who was instrumental in forming the partnership between Goodwill and CAL. To see pictures from the show, click here. 

"At Goodwill, we are working with people with disabilities to teach and train them for jobs.  Art exploration is one way we do that,” said Diane Hoff Weekley, Director of Vocational Services for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont.  “People with multiple barriers to employment are learning these and other job skills through a new approach to training people for work."

CAL and Goodwill have been preparing participants for the show for months. CAL volunteers spent several hours a month teaching art methods to Goodwill’s participants that culminated in stunning artwork, and helped develop and reinforce the confidence and self-management skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace.

Goodwill's Employment Skills Training program works with people who have intellectual disabilities or mental illnesses by providing 12 to 18 months of job skills training to gain and keep competitive employment.

The Charlotte Art League is a non-profit adult arts organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts experience and fostering emerging fine and commercial artists through community exposure, networking, education and interaction with fellow artists.