Menu
Art teachers conference keynote spotlights power of art for those with disabilities
McCOOK Neb. - In a powerful keynote address, Tom Di Maria, director of Creative Growth Art Center, captivated attendees at the Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) conference, emphasizing the vital intersections of Art and disability. The annual conference brings together art educators from all over Nebraska and is hosted in different cities yearly. This was the second time McCook has been chosen to host, the last time being in 2016. Di Maria challenges educators and advocates to discuss the transformative power of creative expression for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The discussion during the Friday morning Key Note revolved around Creative Growth's unique approach to nurturing artistic talent. The center, which supports 142 artists and operates on an annual budget of $4.2 million, primarily funded through state grants, fundraising efforts, and art sales, was a focal point. Di Maria underscored the center’s rich history and its commitment to empowering artists like Judith Scott, whose unique stories deeply resonate within the disability culture of America.
Chad Graff, a long-time friend of Di Maria and supporter of Creative Growth, introduced him at the conference. “Tom has a beautiful concept of planned spontaneity,” Graff said. “We often prepare for moments we don’t expect, and those opportunities can lead us down paths we never imagined.”
In his address, Di Maria spoke passionately about Judith Scott, who faced tremendous barriers throughout her life, including isolation due to her Down syndrome. After being institutionalized at a young age, Scott’s journey to freedom and self-expression through Art serves as a profound testament to the evolving narrative surrounding disability. “Judith’s story parallels changes in disability culture in America and embodies the growth of individuals with disabilities,” Di Maria explained.
Scott’s groundbreaking work gained international recognition, including a presentation at the prestigious Venice Biennale. Di Maria stressed that the perception of disabled artists as contemporary creators is crucial to their inclusion in the broader art world. “Creative Growth aims to showcase that our artists’ work should be seen alongside other contemporary artists, not as separate or lesser,” he emphasized.
Di Maria shared the need to foster open-mindedness towards Art, noting, “Many people don’t learn how to engage with visual arts properly. We often understand music and dining experiences better than we do art appreciation.” He urged attendees to embrace the unknown, suggesting that just as one might discover an unexpectedly captivating song on the radio, they should allow themselves the same openness when encountering visual Art.
In Creative Growth, Di Maria underscored the importance of emotional clarity in artistic expression. “While some academically trained artists may express their thoughts through complex narratives, many of our artists convey their messages with striking clarity,” he said, pointing to the works of William Scott. “When you look at their art, that is their statement.”
Di Maria powerfully reminded attendees: “Art is fundamental to human expression and healthy communities. It is not a luxury but a necessity.” His words struck a chord with the audience, inspiring art educators to champion inclusivity and understanding in their practice—an essential call to action in today’s evolving cultural landscape.
As the NATA conference wrapped up, the impact of Tom Di Maria’s insights will undoubtedly echo far beyond the event, reminding all involved of the transformative potential of Art in breaking down barriers and redefining perceptions of disability.
A collection of work from the Creative Growth Art Center is available to view at the 6th Floor Project, open 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 A.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturdays at 402 Norris Ave. and at the ArtBank, open 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays and 1-5 p.. on Saturdays, located at 108 W D St. in McCook.