GRANTS,NM— A crowd of 16 people from Dungarvin, both staff and clients, joined in happily making Paper plate ladybugs. The Cibola Arts Center has bi-monthly art activities for the Dungarvin group, The activities are under the direction of Myriah Scarpati, Art Facilitator and Gallery Associate.
For each scheduled event Scarpati takes on the responsibility of preparing all the materials that will be used for the project and with assistance from the Floor Manager, Ian Smith, the work area is arranged for the special needs group.
Dungarvin client, David Johnathan Castillo, a lively and kind soul, is a regular attendee along with Charles Delgarito, Jr., his caregiver. They arrive early and stay late, bringing sunshine to the Center.
Castillo suffered a brain tumor when he was only 12 years old. Surprisingly he says he is grateful for the cancer. After his operation he changed a few bad habits. It is hard to conceive of this cheerful soul having a single bad habit.
The rest of the Dungarvin group gets down to the business of making their friendly spotted bugs. Some will decorate their living space, others will give them to loved ones.
The bi-monthly activity is an opportunity for the group to get fresh air and be creative, along with their other regular activities. For some in the group, their selfless caregivers take on the activity and make their ladybugs for them.
It’s not a tricky project. Just glue the red crepe paper shapes, that have been prepared by Scarpati, to the half paper plate. The black construction paper circles, for dots and the head, go on top of the red crepe paper. Little black rectangles of construction paper are glued to the bottom as the legs. As many as you imagine.
Next, the eyes. Bugs have eyes too. Scarpati used white paint applied with a QTip brush for the eyes and smile. Then a dot of black paint for the pupil.
The next Dungarvin activity will be to make a caterpillar. It’s a buggy month!