The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
UNIFIED ARTISTS
TORRINGTON » City landmarks dot the canvas of a recently completed painting — the Warner Theatre, the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, Christmas Village — depicted among a field of flowers and trees, beneath a clear blue sky.
The painting was crafted by young people participating in the unified arts program at Torrington High School, a joint effort between special and regular education students, and put on display Monday evening in the City Hall auditorium.
“(The program) really brings a lot of kids together,” said Gerry Carbone, who oversees both the arts program and the unified sports program at THS. “They develop friendships — lasting friendships.”
The students — a different group of young people than those who participate in the sports program — gathered on a weekly basis during the activity period at the high school to paint together, Carbone said, creating the mural that was celebrated Monday.
The arts program, which began this year, was made possible with a $350 grant from the state, according to Jill Baranowitz, a special education teacher at THS.
Approximately 12 students took part in the program, Baranowitz said Tuesday, with enthusiasm growing as it went along.
Baranowitz, who also serves as a coach for the unified sports program, and Fine Arts Teacher Cindy Amoroso headed the program at Torrington High School.
“Oh my God, it was so awesome. It was awesome to see them create,” said Baranowitz. “It’s beautiful to see all students work together.”
The artwork, she said, was student-driven and student-made — not a product of the adults involved.
“It’s the students’ artwork,” said Baranowitz. “Truly, it is.”
Baranowitz said she plans to keep the arts program going next year, although it hasn’t been decided what sort of project the students will undertake.
The aim of both the arts and sports programs, she said, is to promote unity and help bolster students’ sense of self-worth and belief.
“Everybody wants world peace,” said Baranowitz. “I just want everyone to understand and accept everyone.”
Mayor Elinor Carbone praised city educators for putting together the program Monday night.
“It was a wonderful learning experience,” said Carbone. “I’m so incredibly proud of what our schools are doing to promote this collaboration.”
The unified sports program was celebrated by the City Council in December, after it was recognized as a Unified Champion Banner School, a national award sponsored by Special Olympics, in November.
The unified sports program began four years ago, according to Baranowitz.
Gerry Carbone said roughly 40 students participate in it at this point, up from 10 in the first year.