Reception for Comprehensive Systems artists will be Friday at CCAC

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

On Friday, you can “put your right foot in” at the Charles City Arts Center.

Then you can shake it all about.

The CCAC will be holding a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday for residents of Comprehensive Systems, whose artwork will be the featured display at the center for the month of August.

The reception, which is open to the public, will include artwork, ice cream — and possibly a little “hokey-pokey.”

CCAC Director Jacqueline Davidson said that local music instructor Sarah Jensen approached her with the idea of adding a little music to the event.

“She was kind enough to call me, and told me the students want to support this,” said Davidson. “It will also give them an opportunity to play in a small setting and gain more confidence.”

Davidson said that four or five young musicians will come in and play music and sing at the reception, and that “The Hokey-Pokey” was on the request list.

Comprehensive Systems in Charles City provides support to more than 300 individuals with special needs. Services include residential, vocational and day services in a five-county area. John Guthart has conducted an art class for the residents since 1989.

“I was approached by a group of people — from Comprehensive Systems, the art center and the school district — about conducting a class,” said Guthart, who has a fine arts degree from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. “It worked so well that none of us could believe it.”

Guthart said a variety of paintings and drawings from those classes will be on display this month, and a number of the artists will be at the reception Friday.

“I think it’s important, so that people can get a little better understanding of exactly what happens at Comprehensive Systems, and how much care and support they have here in the community,” said Davidson.

Guthart said the exhibit will give the Comprehensive Systems artists and the community a chance to connect.

“It makes me feel great,” he said. “We’ve been doing it for so long — 29 years — so something’s working.”