The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Art Gallery was held at the Tactical Advantage Sportsman's Complex (TASC) the evening of Aug. 23. The reception featured child-friendly hors d'oeuvres, a musical slideshow of the painting sessions and a collection of the fantastic art. After the event, the TASC showed "The Lego Movie."

EFMP and Professor Nancy Bookhart from Paine College teamed up and presented two painting sessions called Painting and Juice Boxes (a family version of Painting and Wine). Cathy Hadley Wilson, EFMP systems navigator, collected their work for the Art Gallery. Wilson provides non-medical case management to link family members with community resources.

Bookhart, the evening's art instructor, taught participants to model their work based on two themes. "A Portrait of Your Family" was the theme of the first session, and "The techniques of artist Jackson Pollock" was the theme used for the second session. The artists were children with special needs and their siblings, ranging from age 3 to 19. A few parents joined in and created their masterpieces. Colorful acrylic paint and home memorabilia were used in the first session, and bright colored tempera paint was used in the second session. A certificate of appreciation and framed collage of art session photos were presented to Bookhart.

The young artists brought their families, grandparents, caregivers, and friends to the gallery. More than 75 guests enjoyed an evening of art and music. As she was leaving, 6-year-old Ayla Finch's grandmother, C.J. Finch, thanked the EFMP team for putting on this event.

"This was such a wonderful idea. I did not expect all of this," she said.

EFMP helps active duty and retiree family members with medical, educational, and mental health needs to obtain specialized on and offpost services. EFMP ensures that family members are provided necessary resources at their next new duty station. Participants in EFMP can be children, spouses, adult children over 21, and aging parents with special needs.

Special thanks to TASC staff who allowed the EFMP team to transform their facility into an art gallery. A generous donation to Army Community Service allowed the families to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, and the Gordon Lanes Bowling Center provided ice for both Painting and Juice Boxes sessions and the EFMP Art Gallery.

Posted by: Cathy Hadley Wilson | Exceptional Family Member Program | www.fortgordonglobe.com