🧡✨ GRANT SPOTLIGHT ✨🧡 The Art of Paper Making in EP!Casso Funded by the 2024 Community Arts Grant At EP!C, we believe in the transformative power of art—especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Art is more than creativity. It’s a tool for communication, confidence, emotional expression, and connection. For many of our artists, it offers a calming outlet, encourages focus, boosts self-esteem, and provides a deep sense of accomplishment. This year, thanks to the generous support of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, our EP!Casso artists embarked on a unique journey: learning how to make their own paper entirely from scratch using recycled materials! 🌿📝 Over the course of the project, participants: 🌀 Explored the history of papermaking and its cultural roots 🧰 Learned how to use blenders, vats, screens, molds, and presses to turn discarded paper into usable pulp 🎨 Customized their creations with botanicals, spices, glitter, ribbon, embroidery thread, and more 📚 Created beautiful, functional pieces like bookmarks, cards, frames, and other decorative household items 🖼️ Had the chance to display and sell their finished pieces through EP!Casso’s gallery and community events But the impact went far beyond the final products. This program encouraged our artists to build on previously learned skills, introduced sustainable art practices, and provided a safe, adaptive space where everyone—regardless of ability—could express themselves and feel empowered. We are incredibly proud of the creativity and dedication our artists poured into this work. With every page pulled and bookmark stitched, they reminded us that art is for everyone—and everyone has something beautiful to create. 📸 Swipe through to see our artists in action and the amazing work they’ve created! #EPICasso #ThankYouCFCI #ArtIsForEveryone #DisabilityInclusion #HandmadePaper #RecycledArt #CreativeAbilities #PeoriaArts #ArtsWithImpact #CFCI #commUNITY (fb)

😎 Happy National Sunglasses Day! Many individuals with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments, experience heightened sensitivity to light, making sunglasses a necessary tool for comfort and vision. Sunglasses can: Help reduce Photophobia Help reduce glare Protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays Protection from Foreign Objects Whether you wear them for style, necessity, or both, we've got the coolest shades around! Get your EP!C pair for $5 by contacting our Marketing Team at info@epicci.org #nationsunglassesday #cooldude😎 #beEPIC (fb)