The goal of our studio is to provide individuals labeled developmentally disabled with the tools and materials to create art and the supports to define themselves as artists.
Blank Canvas Studios opened its doors in February of 2009 in Saint Charles, Missouri. The studio operates as an art-based day program, providing services to adults with intellectual disabilities. The goal of the studio is to provide people of all ability levels the opportunity to create and be celebrated for their unique style of outsider art. Our studio is one of two similar programs run by the Missouri branch of Resources for Human Development, a non-profit social services organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. RHD runs over 160 programs in 14 states. Based on its values, RHD’s mission is “to provide caring, effective, efficient and innovative services that help people overcome obstacles and build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.”
For more info on RHD and its programs please visit: www.rhd.org and www.rhd-mo.org
Operating as usual
Tomorrow is a big day for us! A first step of a few artists coming back to the studio.We hope to keep growing in the weeks to come until we are ALL safely back together again. We are so excited!!!!!
Tomorrow is a big day for us! A first step of a few artists coming back to the studio.We hope to keep growing in the weeks to come until we are ALL safely back together again. We are so excited!!!!!
Blank Canvas Studios updated their website address.
Our delivery elves were busy this week dropping off art materials for Zoom class! Thank you Kathy Kleba for cutting all the wood pieces we turned into ornaments!!
Helpful information, we hope all have a safe holiday week
CDC provides credible COVID-19 health information to the U.S.
One of our Zoom class favorites: Jailhouse rock! Give this challenge a try
Take the RHD Missouri Wash-Your-Hand Song Challenge!
Today, every time you wash your hands, do it to 'Jailhouse Rock' by Elvis Presley!
*When done to the beat of the song, your hands will be germ-free after singing below:
The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there and they began to wail
The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing
You should've heard them knocked-out jailbirds sing
Let's rock everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
We are so excited to see more artists of BCS on Zoom. We are creating in all kinds of new ways while the studio is closed. Tomorrow we will be dressing up for Halloween party! Hope to see all of our artists there. Email [email protected] to receive a link to join in 🎃
Celebrating DSP's with pictures from times we were together. The Direct Support Professionals of Blank Canvas are greatly missed, we look forward to when we can come together again for creating, expressing and having a great time!!! We are better together!
Join us in celebrating the Direct Support Professionals of Blank Canvas Studios!!! We miss all of the care, creativity and enthusiasm our DSP's add everyday to the studio. We look forward to when we can come together to create again! Please share any words of gratitude and appreciation you may have for our DSP's in the comments below.
Please consider lending your voice to ask your elected officials to support programs like Blank Canvas Studios and the other RHD programs we value so much. The link gives more detailed information on current legislative proposals. The time to act is now, to help ensure we have the supports we need for tomorrow.
https://www.ancor.org/amplifier?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f76258%2fRespond
The ANCOR Amplifier is your one-stop shop for taking action to support providers of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Check back regularly for opportunities to support your association's federal advocacy efforts!
Resources for Human Development
As an organization, we are all outraged and deeply saddened by the violence committed against George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement. At RHD, we are honored to stand with those who are actively fighting to end oppression, discrimination, and working to dismantle white supremacy. Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to holding ourselves accountable to anti-racist work within our own organization, business practices, and activism. While it is critical to listen to and center the voices of Black and Brown Americans during this fight, we want to encourage everyone to take action. The following link provides RHD’s full response in support of Black Lives Matter and its commitment to eradicating racism. www.rhd.org/notoracism/
Thank you to the awesome DSP's at Blank Canvas Ali Barton and Sami Cook making cards to send to the artists we are missing at home!!! Coming soon to a mailbox near you!
This week's online classes took inspiration from the colors of Spring and exploring the work of artists: Chihuly and Kandinsky. Hope everyone at home is enjoying the colors surrounding us and staying safe!
Today's virtual class made nature inspired Mandalas! If you decide to try it out, please post a picture!
Thank you to Blank Canvas Studio's staff Elyce for making masks for Resources for Human Development. Those providing direct service in MO and throughout the country are in need of masks. Please let us know if you'd like to join our efforts or have materials to donate.
https://marf.cc/caregiver-advocacy/
Hello Blank Canvas Studio Supporters!
Because of the COVID19 Crisis, we are in dire need to advocate for the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled population to continue to receive funds that were slated for the FY21 budget. There are drastic state and federal funding cuts on the table due to the loss of general revenue in the State of Missouri.
Governor Parson has submitted an Appendix-K (emergency plan) to the federal government without any type of financial assistance for providers. Nearly thirty other states have applied for retention payments, hazard pay, and or temporary rate increases for those who continue to support during this challenging time. Missourians deserve our share of these federal funds as well, and we urgently need your help.
The Governor has the ability to submit an Appendix K-2 that includes financial assistance to help providers through the pandemic and needs to hear from as many people as possible about the importance of doing so.
Please take a moment to send a message to Governor Parson! The attached link can make it easy for your voice to be heard. We need to make sure those in decision making positions know how important services are, and how valuable those who work in providing direct support are, especially at this time!
Thank you for letting our Governor know how important the type of services provided at Blank Canvas Studios, and other supports such as residential services, are to independence, health, growth, families, and our whole community!
Enhancing the lives of Missourians with disabilities.
Blank Canvas Studios is getting together online!! Yesterday we had a meet up to learn this new way of connecting, including sharing whiteboard drawings! Today we are having Meet my Pet class. The best part is seeing all these smiling faces! We are so glad to see each other 😄
Hello friends and family! The sun is shining, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, but boy our staff sure do miss our artists. Our staff Erin Kortkamp is ready to get back into the studio and start preparing for the next BCS Variety Show.
Just in case anyone was wondering, today is FRIDAY!! Our staff Darian spent some of her week painting gorgeous fairytale landscapes! What have you guys been doing at home? Share your creative crafts, science experiments, delicious meals, or any other fun things you all are doing to inspire the rest of us! Post below or send us a PM! Happy Friday!!
Blank Canvas artist Ben has been cruising in the jeep with the windows down, jumping on his trampoline, making art and getting his grill on!! What have you been up to lately? Send pictures to share and keep in touch! Blank Canvas misses you! Thanks for sharing Ben ❤
Art making doesn't have to stop 'cause we're away from the studio! BCS artist Maria has been working hard on some new canvases from her house, assisted by staff Aliyaa and Hannah! How are you expressing your creativity from home? 💖💖💖
BCS staff Andy is spending his time completing some puzzles and getting some quality time with his furry friends!
Hello BCSers and Friends!! We miss you all and hope you’re finding some fun things to keep you occupied during this time. We’re going to be sharing some of what our staff are up to at home and also maybe some crafts or recipes to try! Drop your pictures and activity requests in the comments and we will start sharing them throughout the shut down. Below is a video of me (Katie) failing at making an apple pie 😂 It was fun to try!
Blank Canvas Studios will remain closed until the Shelter in Place order is lifted for St Charles County. At this time we do not have an estimate of when the order may be lifted. Please stay tuned, and know that we will be reaching out when we anticipate a date to resume services. We miss you all, and look forward to the time we can come together to create again!
RHD is making masks for those caring for others, because #TogetherWeAreBetter #TogetherWeAreRHD
Join in the effort to provide safety masks for our fellow coworkers who are supporting individuals that are the most vulnerable against the novel coronavirus this is one way to show our coworkers how much we appreciate the work they continue to do.
https://disabilityadvocacynetwork.org/app/onestep-write-a-letter?2&engagementId=506953
Here is an easy way to let your representatives know how COVID-19 is affecting the lives of those whose recieve services, like the artists of Blank Canvas Studios and the Direct Support Professionals (DSP's) - the amazing staff of Blank Canvas Studios. You can use the letter provided by the Arc or write your own words with an easy link to your legislators. Let's let our voices be heard! We need to keep our important serivices going, and thank the DSP's who make themselves available to give support during this health crisis. This unprecedented shift in services has the potential to have profound economic impact for programs and those who provide services. Thank you for adding your voice in advocating for us! We look forward to seeing you all again soon.
NEW Coronavirus Relief Bill: Tell Congress to Include People With Disabilities (Send an email!) Congress has passed two bills to respond to the coronavirus pandemic – but more must still be done to support people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professionals (DSP) workfor...
Dear Blank Canvas Studios artists, family members, guardians, caregivers, and staff:
After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close Blank Canvas Studios, temporarily, to comply with the CDC’s recommendations of social distancing to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Blank Canvas Studios does not have any cases of COVID-19 in our studio, however, we feel it is important to protect our beloved artists and staff.
Effective Thursday, March 19th, Blank Canvas Studios will be closed through Wednesday, April 1st.
We are saddened by the need to disrupt our studio life and put on hold the amazing work of our artists. All of the BCS staff will greatly miss our artists during this time. We promise to stay in touch with updates as we receive them. Please continue to follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for news.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to getting back to creating art as soon as possible!
Sincerely,
The Blank Canvas Studios RHD Family
Dear Blank Canvas Studios’ friends, family members, care providers, and day program artists:
Our studio is open today, Monday, March 16th. We continue to follow the guidance of our organization, Resources for Human Development. Please continue to check our page for updates in the coming weeks, days, hours, or perhaps minutes.
While our studio remains open, we are committed to providing the safest environment possible.
• We have suspended all studio visits until further notice.
• We have suspended community outings until further notice.
• We will not host any meetings or guests until further notice.
• We ask all care providers, artists supported, and staff to stay home if they are experiencing sneezing, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever or shortness of breath. In addition, if we have knowledge of anyone who has traveled to areas with known outbreaks, we ask to stay home for at lease 14 days.
• And, of course, throughout our building we have hand sanitizer and soap available.
Please stay tuned for further updates.
We thank you for your support during this time.
Dear Blank Canvas Studios' friends, family members, care providers, and artists:
Blank Canvas Studios is open today, Monday, March 16th. We continue to follow the guidance of our organization, Resources for Human Development. Please continue to check our page for updates in the coming weeks, days, hours, or perhaps minutes.
While Blank Canvas Studios remains open, we are committed to providing the safest environment possible.
• We have suspended all studio visits until further notice.
• We have suspended community outings until further notice.
• We will not host any meetings or guests until further notice.
• We ask all care providers, artists supported, and staff to stay home if they are experiencing sneezing, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever or shortness of breath. In addition, if we have knowledge of anyone who has traveled to areas with known outbreaks, we ask to stay home for at lease 14 days.
• And, of course, throughout our building we have hand sanitizer and soap available.
Please stay tuned for further updates.
We thank you for your support during this time.
RHD Missouri
Dear Parents, Guardians and Care Providers:
In everything we do, the safety of your family member and our staff is our top concern. Considering that, we want to share an important message about the coronavirus (COVID-19) illness. Resources for Human Development (RHD) is monitoring the situation closely and is taking direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State and Local Health Departments in order to reduce the risk of contraction.
We are asking parents, guardians, and staff to help in the effort to prevent the spread of the virus by following the recommendations from the CDC, which are the same ones that everyone should practice during flu season:
• Stay home when you are sick. Please be fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school/work/day program.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
In addition, RHD is following recommendations from the CDC to ensure that areas and equipment that are frequently utilized are cleaned on a more frequent basis, as well as encouraging everyone to wash their hands often. In addition, we will be adding extra hand sanitation dispensers in our programs and offices.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. We encourage parents, guardians, care providers and staff to report any flu-like symptoms or any confirmed cases of the flu to help RHD track documented cases and to better support our prevention efforts. If we do experience COVID-19 cases, we will take our direction from the CDC, State and Local Health Departments regarding potential closings or other schedule changes.
Thank you for your continued support of Resources for Human Development. We appreciate your cooperation during this stressful time.
Gina Ruedin, Service Line Director
Resource for Human Development, Inc
Dear Parents, Guardians and Care Providers:
In everything we do, the safety of your family member and our staff is our top concern. Considering that, we want to share an important message about the coronavirus (COVID-19) illness. Resources for Human Development (RHD) is monitoring the situation closely and is taking direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State and Local Health Departments in order to reduce the risk of contraction.
We are asking parents, guardians, and staff to help in the effort to prevent the spread of the virus by following the recommendations from the CDC, which are the same ones that everyone should practice during flu season:
• Stay home when you are sick. Please be fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school/work/day program.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
In addition, RHD is following recommendations from the CDC to ensure that areas and equipment that are frequently utilized are cleaned on a more frequent basis, as well as encouraging everyone to wash their hands often. In addition, we will be adding extra hand sanitation dispensers in our programs and offices.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. We encourage parents, guardians, care providers and staff to report any flu-like symptoms or any confirmed cases of the flu to help RHD track documented cases and to better support our prevention efforts. If we do experience COVID-19 cases, we will take our direction from the CDC, State and Local Health Departments regarding potential closings or other schedule changes.
Thank you for your continued support of Resources for Human Development. We appreciate your cooperation during this stressful time.
Gina Ruedin, Service Line Director
Resource for Human Development, Inc
122 Point West Blvd
St. Charles, MO
63301
To make donations online, please visit our Amazon Wishlist: http://amzn.to/15JEyzv
| Monday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
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Hello friends and family! The sun is shining, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, but boy our staff sure do miss our artists. Our staff Erin Kortkamp is ready to get back into the studio and start preparing for the next BCS Variety Show.
It is almost ready folks! The Blank Canvas Variety Show film is coming to Facebook for your viewing pleasure! Check out this sneak peek. A very special thank-you to Matt Schmitt @ the Artist United Network for filming and editing.
Today is the day!!!! You have until 5 to see the mannequins outside @craftalliance in @delmarloop!! @mannequinsontheloop!!!
St. Louis’s biggest Blues fan has a message for her team! St. Louis Blues!!! 💙⚜️🏆🥰🏒
Install day! Outside of the The Pageant setting up and adding the final touches! So many amazing mannequins this year!!! Thank you Mannequins on The Loop for putting on this event each year!!!
We’re super excited about tomorrow’s show!!! See you there!
Friday dance partyyy!!! Eva teaching Jackie some things on the dance floor. 👯♀️💃🏻🕺
Ben is famous!!!
Ben on the banjo to play us into the weekend! How amazing is he??
“Shake it! Don’t break it!” -Eileen
It’s the weekend folks!!! Elvis has left the building!! 👍🏼😊
Printmaking is fun but at times trying to get the perfect print can be frustrating. This is Brian’s first pull of his recent lino block! We think it’s perfect!
Christmas carols from the talented Eileen! Rudolph will be guiding Santa’s sleigh in just a few short days!!! 🎅 🎄
Staff show in full swing!!! Come by!!
Talent show!
🎉 DANCE PARTY!!! 🎉 Who’s ready for a 4 day weekend!!!!!
Deb doing an amazing job in figure drawing class!
In case you missed it: BCS staff Hannah and Molly treated us to a beautiful performance at The Outsider Art Crawl this past Saturday! Thank you to all who came out to support us!
Impromptu dance practice! ☺️👯
It's talent show day!!!
Today is Hoodie-Hoo day. As the story goes, looking into the sky and yelling hoodie-hoo will make the cold weather go away. Hope it works!!!
Drum Circle Rehearsal!
Ben Nichols rockin' out!
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