In 2006, a cherished APSI tradition was born when we purchased an art piece crafted by one of our clients to commemorate a board member’s retirement. 18 years later, our Central Office boardroom doubles as a gallery of client-made artwork, each piece honoring a board member’s service or another important APSI milestone.
“We show our gratitude for service to a board member by offering something creative made by an individual that board member has helped to grow,” explained Melanie Domyan, the Protective Services Representative (PSR) Supervisor
responsible for
selecting the art.
This tradition highlights the diversity and remarkable potential of the people we serve. From the avant-garde statue, “Space Junk” to serene landscape portraits, our collection showcases a wide range of styles.
“Every artist has a bit of courage in each of their pieces,” Melanie said. “I love how uninhibited some artists are; I attribute that to the staff that encourage them to create.”
Our most recent acquisition was a piece by Lisa, prolific artist and APSI client, whose work lines the halls of her day program. Her painting, purchased in celebration of APSI’s 40th anniversary, features vivid colors that reflect her exceptional positivity. Lisa gladly used the funds from the sale to buy new art supplies.
“She's always looking to create something for someone... It's just her thing,” Lisa’s PSR Keshia said.
While Lisa paints solo, another featured artist, Lamar, works with his peers at his day program to create multimedia pieces. Lamar starts by selecting a palette of colors and creating a vivid background. Then, one of his friends adds their own drawing or painting on top of what he made. APSI recently purchased one of Lamar’s works to honor former Board President Blaine’s retirement.
We will steward this tradition far into the future as APSI continues to encourage our clients to reach their full potential in art or anything else they put their mind to.
“When I sit in the boardroom for meetings, I always take a look around the room, it always makes me smile. I hope others feel the same,” Melanie said. “This job is heart-wrenching at times, so I have always selected a piece that made me smile or showed the individual's courage to dream.”
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