Special Mornings is a venerable Palos Verdes Art Center program serving the neediest segment of the population, children with disablilities. Special Mornings serves special education classes (ages 5 and up) throughout Los Angeles County. These classes come from Title 1 schools. Through art activities, participants develop small motor skills, learn to focus on a task and see a project through to completion. They also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to their academic curriculum.
Special Mornings began in 1981 as a program for differently-abled students and has expanded to include special needs adults at Canyon Verde Activity Center in Redondo Beach. Annually, seven Title 1 LAUSD schools participate in a five-week sequential art education program teaching the basics of art, enhancing the special needs students’ communication skills and self-esteem. Students come to the Art Center for their classes and also tour exhibitions, all of which is provided free of charge, including transportation.
For information, contact Community Engagement Director Gail Phinney at gphinney@pvartcenter.org