BUCYRUS — The walls for creativity have been broken down at Fairway-Waycraft through the implementation of the Creative Abundance program.

Adam Zimmerman could not be more pleased.

“I like to paint and do art. It’s fun,” said Zimmerman, an individual who is served by Fairway-Waycraft, as he showed off one of his paintings.

Jill Burling and Veronica Schenz are two of the instructors of the art projects.

“We started creating our art projects last Wednesday,” said Burling. “And we already received an order from the pre-school students to make 75 crowns, which we did and they turned out great.”

According to Court Sturts, director of operations and transportation for the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities said that the school and workshop received a grant through the Ohio Arts Council to fund the program implemented by the Creative Abundance Group.

“We also used some board funds and donations to create the “Making Space” by turning part of the cafeteria into an art studio,” Sturts said.

Sturts said the individuals served at the school are utilizing items such as cardboard to create their art projects.

“We have plenty of cardboard, paint and other items to use for art projects,” said Sturts.

The Creative Abundance Group is headed up by Susan Dlouhy and Patty Mitchell, who came to Fairway-Waycraft for two weeks to help implement the program.

“They did a wonderful job at helping us get started,” said Superintendent Liz Prater.

The Creative Abundance Group’s mission is to enhance the social, emotional and physical well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities and other perceived differences. The group assists organizations, like Fairway School, that support people with intellectual disabilities and other perceived differences through on-site technical assistance, staff development, workshops and consultation.

Schenz said hidden talents at the school have been found.

“We found a gal who does portraits and several who like to create paintings. The projects our individuals have created are amazing,” said Schenz. “This is a great program for them.”

For more information about Creative Abundance, visit http://www.creativeabundancegroup.com. For more information about Fairway School or Waycraft Industries, visit http://www.crawfordcbdd.org.