Options in the Arts
 
Options in the Arts is the name of the visual arts program offered by Options Mississauga to qualifying participants. It is designed to introduce adults with an intellectual disability to art skills and knowledge that would support their employment in the arts.  
 
Options in the Arts takes place at the Port Credit Campus of the Christ First church building, 151 Lakeshore Road West, Mississauga ON L5H 1G3. Options staff and participants enter the building from the RED side door on the west side Peter Street South. Street parking is available.
 
Our professional artist, Karlene Bland, teaches very insightful art lessons. https://www.karleneblandfineart.com Guest artists are occasionally invited to provide instruction as enrichment to the learning experiences of our art students.
 
Outcome Goals
Demonstration of abilities suitable to earn income as an artist, or as an employee in an art-related setting.

• care and handling of art materials
• comfort and confidence working independently
• creation of artwork from idea to finished product
• production of acrylic paintings for personal use or marketing

Examples of Skills Taught  

• care, handling, preparation and storage of art materials
• use of the colour wheel and mixing colours
• use of paint brush styles
• composition in art
  
  

Options Mississauga Print and Office Services operates a social enterprise named Options Mississauga Visual Arts Enterprise. It acts as an agent for the art students in our program and for local artists with an intellectual disability who wish use its services to sell their original works of art.
 
​Options Mississauga showcases and markets selected pieces of art through social media, its art enterprise website at
www.arts-optionsmississauga.com, engagement at community events, and in the Options Mississauga Print and Office Services store. Art students receive a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork and related products such as cards and calendars.   
   
 
Cost of the Program 
Classes are $30 per lesson and artist-in-training students attend once or more a week.
The fees for the Options in the Arts program help to cover the cost of the artist’s wages, program planning, facility rental, the cost of art materials and supplies. 

Fees are due before the first art class each month and receipts are given. Options Mississauga accepts payments by e-transfer to optionstraining@rogers.com, and also by cash, debit, credit, or cheque payable to Options Mississauga Print and Office
Services. Please make arrangements through the Options office when using debit or credit cards (T: 905 274-8663).

Application to Options in the Arts
Please contact the Program Manager at optionstraining@rogers.com to express your interest in joining the art program. Applicants will attend an interview to determine their suitability to the program. Qualities such as cooperation, motivation, good listening, perseverance, independence, interest and good personal conduct are important.