Approximately 200 visitors stopped by Spring Creek Church Saturday, March 24 to enjoy the 11th Achievement Center of Texas Special Arts Festival.
The ACT dance team, Chain ReACTion, performed three numbers and the ACT chorus, Unique Inspirations, performed three numbers. In addition, two individual members, one a solo act and the other a small group of Unique Inspirations members called The Girlz, performed for the crowd. Twenty performers took the stage throughout the day.
In addition, there were arts/activity tables, face painting and an Altrusa International of Garland book giveaway.
“The Arts Festival provides an opportunity for ACT students to showcase their many gifts and realize success, accomplishment, confidence and pride,” said Mary Ann Zyla, ACT’s volunteer coordinator. “It also gives the community an opportunity to experience all that these community members and artists have to offer.”
Marilynne Serie, former executive director of ACT, continues to be deeply involved in organizing the arts event for the center because she has strong feelings about its importance. She explained that there a many different kinds of art, not just singing or dancing or painting. You can glue things or put things together, for example, then feel good about the creation.
“A lot of times people with special needs are told that they aren’t able to do things,” Serie said. “Here there is a variety of activities so that everyone can find something they can do, whether it’s singing, dancing or creating a piece of art.”
She added that she can notice changes in the students’ confidence when they realize that they can create things.
“They feel good about themselves and their abilities when they have something to show friends and relatives,” she said.
This day of activities and entertainment highlighted the students’ talents, creativity and passion as they not only shared dancing and singing talents, but also showcased artwork they had created at the center, some of which was sold to attendees. The proceeds will be applied toward scholarships for students who cannot afford the art-related programs, as well as the purchase of art supplies.
Serie’s son-in-law John Bramblitt, a world-renowned blind artist, was in attendance to share how he has overcome a disability to pursue his dream. He also displayed some of his amazing creations.
When Bramblitt lost his sight, it was terribly depressing because he had dreams of going in another direction. At that time, he had never tried to paint but he could draw so he decided to pursue art. He was able to work out how to feel his work and be able to create without sight.
“Art made a huge different in his life,” Serie said. “