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Cultural Arts
WDSRA offers a wide range of cultural arts programs which include: fine art, dance, music, drama, and cooking. Many of the participants in these programs get the chance to show off their talents in our annual WDSRA Performing Arts Recital held each May at the Wheaton Park District Community Center. Below are just a sampling of some of the popular programs we offer.
VIDEO:
The Video Ventures program is for teens and adults with an interest in videotaping, camera work and interviewing. For more information and to view the latest video airing on Comcast Cable, click here.
FINE ART:
As part of our weekly Drop-In Center for individuals with mental illnesses, WDSRA has formed a Visiting Artist Program.  This program is funded in part by a grant from the Hinsdale Center for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council, as well as the City of Naperville’s Cultural Fund. WDSRA hires professional artists, art teachers and art therapists to come to the Drop-In Center to teach participants a new art activity once a month. The goals of the Visiting Artist Program are exposing individuals to various art mediums, learning new art techniques, exploring different ways of expression through art and increasing self-esteem. The Drop-In Center is held each Wednesday night at the Riverwalk Community Center in Naperville.
As an extension of the popular Visiting Artist Program, we are now offering a weekly Art Studio program for individuals with mental illness. A professional art teacher introduces exciting art activities each week.
Our Creative Corner program is also very popular. This program is for anyone with a disability who wants to find inspiration, learn about new art techniques and have fun. Participants from this program often get the chance to have their artwork displayed in galleries, libraries or park districts.
 DANCE:
Our Let’s Dance and Adult Tap programs are for adults who want to learn new moves from professional dance instructor Richard Gaines. In spring, 2006 the participants had the opportunity to perform in downtown Chicago as part of the Bodies of Work: Festival for Disability Art and Culture.
Basic Ballet and Dynamic Dance are a couple of the dance programs we offer for children. They always have a good time and enjoy the freedom of movement.
MUSIC:
Want to be an American Idol? Join our fun singing classes, Singing the Night Away for karaoke or WDSRA Singers for the more serious performer.
For those that are interested in playing an instrument, we offer Individual Music Lessons or you can just play around in Making the Band.
DRAMA:
The TROOP (Theater Recreation Outreach Opportunity Program) Drama program, under the direction of Norm Engstrom, gives participants the opportunity to perform popular plays and musicals in front of a live audience. They put on two plays a year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
COOKING:
Children can enjoy the experience of making meals in our Cooking and Crafts program or adults can learn how to be a chef in our Supper Club program.
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