About Our Arts & Social Recreation Programs
Quality of life is about more than just the basics. We all want to have fun, get to know others, and expand our creative pursuits!
Our recreation and arts programs offer ways for people of all ages, skill levels, and disabilities to enjoy social and skill-building outlets throughout the year.
Below is a description of some of the arts and social recreation programs we offer at different times during the year. Programming and scheduling change regularly. Please check the events calendar for current programming information.
Many Ways of Doing Clay Class
Many semesters, we partner with the University of Michigan’s School of Art and Design to offer a high quality and enriching ceramics class for individuals at the CIL. The class pairs Art students at UM with individuals with disabilities to work together to learn more about doing clay art, learn more about disability experiences, explore art in new ways, and share in the joy and beauty of clay sculpture. Together the pairs form relationships and sculpt beautiful and intriguing works of art. The course is taught by UM Professor Sadashi Inuzuka.
Photography
Do you love taking pictures? Our photography classes are perfect for the novice photographer who loves taking digital photography. Offered a few times during the year, this is a popular course not to miss!
Cooking Classes
Do you love to cook, but don’t do it often enough? Are you interested in learning more about healthy cooking? Periodically, we offer cooking classes in our Gathering Place Kitchen. Classes offered over the past year have included: Cooking with Fresh Produce, Cooking with Fresh Herbs, Cooking Healthfully on a Budget, and More!
Poetry
Ever been interested in poetry? Want to find an outlet to share your love of poetry with others? The CIL offers poetry classes to help individuals share in the joy of poetry and learn how to improve their poetry-wrting skills.
Digital Storytelling
Through photos, storytelling, and digital media, individuals learn how to express their stories in a descriptive and captivating way. For samples of digital storytelling works made in the Spring 2010 course, visit www.annarborcil.org/2010/07/06/storytelling.
Art Fridays
Enjoy art? Want to work on art in a supportive environment? Join us every Friday for open studio Art Fridays. Work on your own project, consult with others about your current work, or just hang with others interested in art.
“Art Friday” is FREE every Friday from 12 PM – 4 PM at the Ann Arbor CIL. For more information, contact Sue Probert at 734-971-0277 ext 34 or by email at sue@aacil.org.
Art Shows
After various art classes, we hold art shows and events to showcase the talented works created by many at the Ann Arbor CIL. Check out the video below, showcasing the work of the Many Ways of Doing Clay Class! In 2010 we also held a benefit art show at the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti to help raise money for IRide, our annual cycling event. At the Bike Part Benefit Art Show, many talented artists were featured interpreting the parts of bicycles, handcycles, and other adaptive bikes in many creative ways!
Gardening & Classes
In the spring and summer time, the Ann Arbor CIL features raised gardening beds, offering the joy of gardening to both individuals using wheelchairs and those just interested in getting more involved in gardening. We also teach classes to help people enhance their gardening skills and learn more about gardening!
Theater Group
Diversability Theater meets every Saturday from 1 pm – 3 pm at the CIL. New people are welcome. If you are new, we encourage you to bring a short biographical story or idea from which to work. For more information, contact Chris Baty.
Potlucks
The Talent Exchange organizes a potluck event at the CIL once a month in the Gathering Place Kitchen. It is always the first Tuesday of every month, from 6 pm to 8 pm. For more info, contact Melissa Sartori.
Nighttime Socials
Join us for good times and friendship at our twice-a-month socials at area restaurants. All are welcome, but you must pay for your own meal.
We meet the second Wednesday and fourth Tuesday of every month from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
For information on upcoming restaurant locations, contact Sue Probert at 734-971-0277 ext. 34 or by email at sue@aacil.org.
Summer Picnic
This year, the CIL Summer Picnic was held at Gallup Park. Over 100 people came out to enjoy the sunshine, great food, warm temps, and scenery of Gallup Park! Picnic-goers also took part in adaptive paddling, canoeing, and cycling.