Fresno ArtHop to showcase United Cerebral Palsy artists at local gallery

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Students at United Cerebral Palsy are working on their creative side and starting Friday night you can take one of their art pieces home. That's thanks to Peeve's Art Gallery on Fulton Mall. For a third year, ArtHop will showcase UCP artists.

The Adult Day program at UCP gives adults with disabilities the opportunity to tap into their creativity. "We serve adults with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries, and a number of developmental disabilities," said Kimberly Regnerus, Development and Marketing Director.

And this month at ArtHop you can check out the pieces by dozens art students like Sandy Sekiya. "People have come back and say they only want Sandy, we want that piece of art from her," said Diana Salinas, Visual Art Directo.

Salinas said it's not just the sense of accomplishment that benefits students. "They're talking to each other, but also, They're hand-eye coordination, motor skills, their grasping skills-- all of that is really good."

The art classes do more than help with motor and social skills. It even brings in a paycheck. "For many of them, that's the only paycheck that they're going to receive throughout their adult life. So it's a great experience to tell someone, 'hey somebody, loved your piece so much because they loved your work, but also here's a check because you're so awesome,'" said Regnerus.

Throughout March Peeves on Fulton Mall will showcase 25 of their pieces ranging from ceramics to watercolor. The goal-- to sell out.