UNIQUE ART BY STUDENTS OF THE ALAN SHORT CENTER Exhibit Opens: 10/07/2008 Exhibit Closes: 11/01/2008 "Meet-the-Artist" Reception: 10/10/2008, 5 p.m. in conjunction w/ Downtown Art Walk In recognition of National Disabilities Month and Arts Month in October, downtown Stockton’s Tidewater Gallery is hosting the unique artwork created by the students of the Alan Short Center, an art-based day program serving adults with developmental disabilities on the University Park campus. The exhibit, featuring a variety of art mediums, will open Tuesday, October 7, and continue through Saturday, November 1. A “Meet-the-Artists” wine and hors d’oeuvres reception will be hosted Friday, October 10, from 5-8 p.m., in conjunction with the monthly downtown Art Walk. Artwork created by these special students is truly unique. Offered in this exhibit will be two-dimensional framed artwork, painted and tiled furniture, glass works, ceramic pieces, silk scarves, hand painted canvas bags, and jewelry. The Alan Short Center program encourages each individual to gain necessary skills to enhance their quality of life and gain independence at home and in the community. The visual and performing arts serve a vital role in meeting self-expression and creative needs. In addition to being fun, the arts are excellent teaching tools that encourage hard work, social integration and language development. _______________________________________________________________________________