Recently, the Connecticut Association of Schools and Special Olympics Connecticut have partnered to create the Unified Art program. Jonathan Law was one of the 20 schools in Connecticut to pilot this program due to its involvement in Unified Sports.

This new program gives students with and without disabilities the opportunity to collaborate in creating unique works of art. The club meets two Tuesdays a month in Room 230 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Mrs. Daniels, the Unified sports director, was thrilled to see such a successful turnout at the meetings that have been held this year.

"At the first meeting, there were twenty students who attended," said Daniels. "They chose partners and brainstormed what they would like to do for a first project."

During the meeting, the students discussed ideas of designing T-shirts, drawings, paintings, photo collages, quilt making, and mobiles. Senior Maria Thibodeau takes several art and sculpting classes offered at Law, and was eager to get involved and strengthen her skills through her participation in Unified Art.

"When I first saw the posters advertising for the club, I couldn’t wait to join," said Thibodeau. "Right now we are planning two large group paintings that reflect what relationships mean to us."

The members of the club will not only be creating the pieces to display in the school, but for a public exhibit at Southern Connecticut State University.

"The student’s group pieces will be presented at the Special Olympic Games at SCSU in June," said Daniels. "We will be working on this particular project for quite some time, but I am eager to see the finished products."

Senior Alexis LaGase has been an active participant in Jonathan Law’s Unified Sports organization for three years. She has enjoyed her experience helping out with the program and looks forward to joining Unified Art.

"In Unified Sports, I am used to playing basketball and volleyball," said LaGase. "I love the action, but in this new club, it will be fun to tie-dye shirts and create picture collages in a more relaxed setting."

Senior Victoria Siddal, who is planning on majoring in Art Therapy in college, also plans to join the group.

"Mrs. Murphy has been talking to my class about Unified Art for the past month, and I’m very interested in it," said Siddal. "I love the team-building concept of the organization and look forward learning new skills while sharing ideas in the process."

New members are welcome to join, and can get more information from Mrs. Daniels about meeting dates and future projects. All of the students who become involved will benefit in numerous ways.

"I hope that through this club, people can bond and connect with each other," said Thibodeau. "The goal is for everyone to express themselves and display their passions in the most distinct and interesting ways possible."