NONPROFIT’S EXHIBIT FEATURES ARTWORK OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

D’Vine Path, a Fallbrookbased nonprofit that offers educational programs for adults with disabilities, held its first gallery exhibit, “Launching Dreams.”

The event attracted art enthusiasts from across San Diego County, including members of a number of art groups and area galleries.

The exhibit featured the works of five artists in the nonprofit’s Art Studios program, Denae Prosser, Joel Anderson, Ryan Duralia, Mike Rogoway and Gabby Ledesma, who talked about their art at the reception.

Anderson, for example, discussed his project, “Looking out for each other,” a series of paintings about the closeknit community of D’Vine Path students and teachers.

Nearly six years ago years ago, Fallbrook resident Lenila Lingad Batali started the D’Vine Path program for adults with autism and special needs. The vocational program was designed for students to grow as they learn to take care of a vineyard. The D’Vine Path ranch became a home away from home, and the nonprofit program grew from a handful of students to about two dozen.

In addition to viticulture, students learn job interviewing skills, résumé building and soft business skills, such as communication and team building, along with hospitality, catering, culinary skills, healthy lifestyle choices and the arts.

The program provides hands-on training and transition planning for students with Individualized Education Plans and career interests in agriculture, art and business as well as culinary arts and hospitality.

“What a fitting title for our first art reception, ‘Launching Dreams.’ The themed displays of each art student (were) professional, full of heart and truly what dreams are made of,” said Batali, D’Vine Path’s executive director.

For more information, visit dvinepath.org.