As we hit our 20-year mark and prepare to close our doors, Upstream Arts is reflecting on the last two decades of incredible work. Today’s highlight: The Art of Me performances
As we witnessed the many beautiful and creative modes of self-expression with participants in our residencies, we asked, How can more people experience the joy, nuance, and depth of expression that we see every day? How can the individuals with disabilities we work with and alongside have more opportunities to share their stories and perspectives? And so The Art of Me performance program was born.
Images from The Art of Me with Merrick. Photo credit Jason Bucklin.
These residencies allowed Participants and Teaching Artists to practice our multidisciplinary curriculum with the aim of sharing it onstage in a final public performance. The culminating performance provided a unique platform for self-expression through theater, music, poetry, visual art, and dance. What better way to carry out our vision of changing mindsets about ability and disability and connecting communities with intentional shared creative experiences?
Above Image from The Art of Me with Highland Friendship Club.
Images immediately below from The Art of Me with Merrick. Photo Credit Cadex Hererra.
Images immediately above from The Art of Me with Opportunity Partners and Hammer. Photo Credit Anna Min.
Our first performance was in collaboration with the Valley Friendship Club in 2013. Since then, we have carried out over 16 Art of Me performance residencies with adult day programs such as MSS, Merrick, Opportunity Partners, Hammer, PRI, and NCSI, as well as Art of Me residencies in schools, including a partnership with Young Dance, and with community partners like Highland Friendship Club and the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in Milwaukee.
Image from the first Art of Me with Valley Friendship Club.
Image from The Art of Me with Partnership Resources, Inc.. Photo Credit Jason Bucklin.
Image from The Art of Me with Partnership Resources, Inc.. Photo Credit Jason Bucklin.
Image from The Art of Me with Valley Friendship Club. Photo Credit Jason Bucklin.
Image from The Art of (e)Motion with Marcy Arts School in collaboration with Young Dance. Photo Credit Scott Pakudaitus.
Over the years, audience members have shared the impact of these performances with comments like:
“You found each actors’ gifts and used those strengths to help them shine on stage…. I loved your show on so many levels.”
“It was great to see all of the people expressing themselves in their own ways, and the joy each person had.”
It has been an honor to collaborate with so many creative individuals over the years, to see our community in new ways, and to witness the joy and connection that resonates across the stage and into the audience.
Images from The Art of Me with Northeast Contemporary Services, Inc. Photo Credit Molly Jay Photography.