Blank Canvas Studios

05/22/2020

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!

05/07/2020

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!

04/30/2020

Today's virtual class made nature inspired Mandalas! If you decide to try it out, please post a picture!

04/27/2020

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.

04/21/2020

Caregiver Advocacy | Missouri Association of Rehabilitation Facilities

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.

04/15/2020

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 😄

04/14/2020

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.

04/10/2020

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!!

04/08/2020

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 ❤

04/06/2020

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? 💖💖💖

04/04/2020

BCS staff Andy is spending his time completing some puzzles and getting some quality time with his furry friends!

04/03/2020

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!

03/28/2020

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!

03/27/2020

Sharing Hope-Masks for Those Caring for Others

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.

03/23/2020

NEW Coronavirus Relief Bill: Tell Congress to Include People With Disabilities (Send an email!)

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...

03/19/2020

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

03/16/2020

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.

03/16/2020

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.

03/11/2020

RHD Missouri

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

03/11/2020

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

03/09/2020

Thank you to Crossroads Art Council and Matt Swanson!

The winner of the "Painting with the Stars" celebrity fund raising event was finally decided in the last moments of the "Spanning the Generations" Art Show -Congratulations to 3rd Ward Alderman Matt Swanson!!!! He is now the proud 2020 owner of the CAC Traveling Trophy, created by CAC members Sean Manning and Joe Yuede. The donations during the 2 day event raised Matt's charity Blank Canvas to the forefront. Thanks to ALL of our celebrities who participated in this creative community event.

03/09/2020

Thank you to Crossroads Arts Council and Alderman Matt Swanson!

The winner of the "Painting with the Stars" celebrity fund raising event was finally decided in the last moments of the "Spanning the Generations" Art Show -Congratulations to 3rd Ward Alderman Matt Swanson!!!! He is now the proud 2020 owner of the CAC Traveling Trophy, created by CAC members Sean Manning and Joe Yuede. The donations during the 2 day event raised Matt's charity Blank Canvas to the forefront. Thanks to ALL of our celebrities who participated in this creative community event.

03/05/2020

BCS artists are excited to have their work displayed at Crossroads Arts Council Spanning the Generations art show at Wentzville Community Club! The show runs today and tomorrow (March 5 & 6) from 11am-8pm. Here's a sneak peek-- then come see it for yourself! 🌞

02/26/2020

Behind the scenes with the performing arts department. Rehearsals are underway for our annual Variety Show. Show date and time will be announced soon so stay tuned!

02/14/2020

We asked these lovebirds for some tips for a Happy Valentine's Day 💕
Eileen's answer: "love and happiness!" John's answer: "Do you know what I did? I kissed her!" 💌

02/10/2020

Happy Monday-- we sure do love a wig day!! 💇‍♀️🎭💇‍♂️

02/09/2020

Please join us to cheer on all the participants! Especially alderman Matt Swanson who is raising funds for Blank Canvas Studios

Please show up this Thursday at Friendship Brewing Company to support all the great charities and watch us “try” to paint the iconic Friendship truck. I will be painting for Blank Canvas Studios. Hope to see you there!

02/05/2020

We are thrilled to share these highlights from our November 2019 Variety Show with you all! Our Performing Arts team put on a fabulous show, and we love re-living these moments! 💐🎭
Thank you to Erin Furlong for capturing us on film. Enjoy!

Photos from Blank Canvas Studios' Variety Show, November 15th, 2019 at St. Peters Cultural Arts Center.
Photos by Erin Furlong