DALLAS TWP. – The Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University, the Verve Vertu Art Studio, the Misericordia Student Occupational Therapy Association (MSOTA) and the university’s Department of Occupational Therapy are hosting, “Whimsy & Wonder,” an evening of art, film and music to benefit the Verve Vertu Art Studio on Friday, April 6.

The event begins with the screening of the film, “I’m An Artist,” at 6 p.m. in Lemmond Theater in Walsh Hall on campus.

“I’m An Artist” is a film about students with learning disabilities at special needs schools who achieve confidence, positive reinforcement and hope through their schools’ art programs. The documentary provides a glimpse into the challenges children with learning disabilities face. The unwavering enthusiasm of one school’s art teacher shows that students with learning and emotional disabilities can achieve more growth than most people believe possible.

Following the film, there will be the opening reception for the “Whimsy & Wonder” exhibit on display April 6 through June 2 in the Friedman Art Gallery. The exhibit features works by the students of Verve Vertu Art Studio, 24 Main St., Dallas.

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Verve Vertu is a community art center of the Deutsch Institute, and provides recreational and leisurely activities to people with special needs, as well as art classes for members of the community. The studio enables the artists to tap into their creativity using a wide range of mediums, including watercolors, acrylics, fibers, batik, wool needle felting and inks. Gwen Harleman is the director of the Verve Vertu program.

The Ranch Wagon restaurant, 2043 N. Memorial Highway, Shavertown, is supporting the project by selling a $10 voucher to customers. The voucher can be exchanged for $10 worth of food and beverages at the restaurant and can be used for admission into the “Whimsy & Wonder” event, according to Ranch Wagon owners Allen and Barbara Roberts. For each voucher sold, Ranch Wagon will donate $2 to the Verve Vertu project. Vouchers are available at the restaurant and at the Verve Vertu Art Studio.

Thirty-three Verve Vertu artists will have their works on display during the exhibition. They are: Ann Marie Alfano, Larksville; Victoria Brown, Swoyersville; Patrick Cleary, Dallas; April Cross, Edwardsville; Monique Dennis, Exeter; Eric Dodson, Wilkes-Barre; Erin Dougherty, Dallas; Mary Jo Evans, Wyoming; Carol Fulkersin, Tunkhannock; Jeanie Hammerbacher, Wilkes-Barre; Michael Hungarter, Kingston; Eamon Klinges, Wilkes-Barre; Shaun Lambert, Pittston; Kim Martin, Wilkes-Barre; Richie Morgan, Dallas; Joe Pascoe, Tunkhannock; Charles Pelton, Tunkhannock; Sherry Pudim, Exeter; Desiree Reed, Wyoming; Kasey Riley, Plains; Christine Ruda, Hanover Township; Molly Schappert, Kingston; Josh Schlegel, Hanover Township; Nancy Search, Sweet Valley; Christine Snedeker, Wyoming; Billy Sukus, Dallas; Elizabeth Thomas, Forty Fort; Tracy Tribendis, Wilkes-Barre; Karen Trzcinski, Wilkes-Barre; Michael Turell, Sweet Valley; Selena Waters, Clarks Summit; Christopher Welgosh, Wapwallopen, and Edward Zebrowski, Wilkes-Barre.

For additional information about the benefit, contact Gwen Harleman at the Verve Vertu Art Studio at 570- 675-1465.

Verve Vertu artist assistant Paige Hudock, left, of West Pittston, and Misericordia University occupational therapy student volunteer Molly Betz, Tamaqua, look over the work by Verve Vertu artist Sean Lambert, Pittston, on a large wooden butterfly. The butterfly is one of the more than 30 pieces of whimsical artwork that will be on display in the ‘Whimsy & Wonder’ exhibit opening with a reception and film screening on Friday, April 6 at the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_FOR-PUBLICATION-Verve-Vertu-artist-1.jpg.optimal.jpgVerve Vertu artist assistant Paige Hudock, left, of West Pittston, and Misericordia University occupational therapy student volunteer Molly Betz, Tamaqua, look over the work by Verve Vertu artist Sean Lambert, Pittston, on a large wooden butterfly. The butterfly is one of the more than 30 pieces of whimsical artwork that will be on display in the ‘Whimsy & Wonder’ exhibit opening with a reception and film screening on Friday, April 6 at the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University. Submitted photo