Special Mornings is a venerable Palos Verdes Art Center program serving the neediest segment of the population, children and adults with special needs.  Special Mornings serves special education classes (ages 5 and up) throughout Los Angeles County.  These classes come from the poorest 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.