By Kathy L. Collins
The June exhibit at the Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City features the wonderfully creative artwork of artists from The MacDonald Training Center in Plant City. The exhibit features 18 pieces of fantastic artwork created on the tops of small and large farm baskets.
The artwork is done in collaboration with two Artists in Residence, Rachael Mears and Angela Dickerson. This program is offered through VSA Florida with the support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners.
Anne Haywood, Library Director for the Bruton Memorial Library said, “This is a charming form of folk art that these innocent adults create.” Haywood added, “This is the third or fourth time that the library has hosted an exhibit from The MacDonald Training Center in Plant City.”
The artwork on display at the Bruton Memorial Library is on loan from an anonymous collector. The art is bright, creative and fun to view.
The MacDonald Training Center serves adults with developmental disabilities. They have been in the Tampa Bay area since 1955 and in Plant City since 1965. They offer enriching environments and a wide variety of options and opportunities including Community Living, Employment Services, Vocational Skills Training and Life Enrichment Activities.
In 2006, the MacDonald Training Center expanded its programs and opened a Fine Arts Studio. Currently, 90 adults create imaginative and beautiful works of art in studios both in Tampa and Plant City. Many of the artists have begun selling their work. Many have developed an individual style of art.
The artists from The MacDonald Training Center also create beautiful calendars, postcards and holiday cards each year. The proceeds from the sale of these items help to fund the programs offered.
A permanent gallery is set up at the Tampa location located at 5420 W. Cypress St. in Tampa. For more information on the MacDonald Training Center and its Fine Arts Studios, please visit www.macdonaldcenter.org.
The Bruton Memorial Library is located at 302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City. The exhibit is open during normal library operating hours seven days a week.
