Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

Give! Campaign: Club of Arts
Posted: 11.05.2009 at 9:36 PM
Abbie Burke

Abbie Burke is a general assignment reporter for FOX21 News.

0
Allicia Rice paints.  / FOX21 News
Photo

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Club of Arts was founded in 2005 with a goal to offer inexpensive classes to people with disabilities.

It has seen significant growth over the years and now serves more than 4,000 students.

One of those students now has her own art studio and is even selling her work.

Allicia Rice was misdiagnosed multiple times and spent years struggling with her disabilities -- and then she discovered art.

"It's fun and it helps me know my feeling if I’m sad or happy and today I am happy," said Allicia.

At the age of two her parents noticed something was wrong, but it was years later until she was finally properly diagnosed with mild autism and severe dyslexia.

"She was probably in her early twenties before we got the right diagnosis," said Larry Rice, Allicia's father.

An art teacher at Allicia's high school noticed her love and talent and encouraged her to pursue it. She founded The Club of Arts in Colorado Springs.

"It really gives them the opportunity to sort of say, 'OK, this is what I want,'" said Jessie Pocock.

Pocock, development and program director of The Club of Arts, says art has made a huge difference in Allicia's life.

"I have seen art transform Allicia's life," said Pocock.

Donations to the Give! campaign will ensure The Club of Arts is able to continue offering classes.

"It essentially covers instruction and everything that it takes to instruct students," said Pocock. Something she says is crucial for the disabled community.

"There is a possibility that art has saved Allicia's life," said Pocock.

And it's also pushed her towards her dream of being an artist.

The Club of Arts currently offers 15 classes a week from painting to drama, even candymaking class. It also offer various membership packages.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Couple who died in Black Forest Fire identified
Travis Ruiz   |  Today at 8:05 AM  |  8 comments
Thumbnail
First responders bury pets lost in Black Forest Fire
Abbie Burke  |  Today at 10:00 AM  |  6 comments
Thumbnail
Wildfires burn north of Colorado Springs
FOX21 Continuous News Desk  |  46 minutes ago  |  14 comments
Follow FOX21
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Financial Services
Experts in financial planning
FOX21 Deals
Deals to area restaurants and businesses
Legal
Help from lawyers
Auto
Car maintainance
ADVERTISEMENT