Jamie Holland/News
Jared Doze stands next to his artwork that will be on display at the Wine, Cheese and Art event at the Pathways Financial Credit Union on Thursday July, 25, at 5 p.m. in Delaware.
MOUNT VERNON — Jared Doze will have his artwork on display at the Wine, Cheese and Art exhibit at the Pathways Financial Credit Union in Delaware on Thursday July 25, at 5 p.m.
Doze works on his artwork through Creative Foundations in Mount Vernon. Creative Foundations uses art and creativity to provide support, community integration, and independence to adults with developmental disabilities.
He said that when Doze first started at Creative Foundations three years ago, Jared loved using black ink and drew birds, one of his favorite things still to draw.
“(We) slowly push (the artists) out of their element and comfort zone,” Hite said.
In Doze’s case, they helped him move from just black ink to watercolor. From there, Doze moved to acrylic paint and working full on with watercolor. He tends to look at a photo and copies it onto a canvas, usually within the same day.
Doze is non-verbal, but he can read lips and knows some sign language. He had Uncle Mike and Sara Walker, Integration Coordinator of Creative Foundations, help speak on his behalf to the News.
Doze likes his job at Creative Foundations. He likes to help teach other people how to paint and offers support to others at Creative Foundations. Like any other job, it can be a bit overwhelming but Doze is looking forward to having his own art exhibit.
“I’m very proud of him,” Hite said about how far Doze has come with his artwork.
Hite said his main job is to include artists in different events, such as the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival. The individual art shows allow artists to promote their own art work. In an ideal situation, Hite said, this would help the artists get out on their own without support from Creative Foundations.
Doze has been in previous art shows as part of a group with the Creative Foundations, but this is his first solo art exhibit.
Walker said that Doze is a gentle giant and one of the most kind people you will ever meet.
“He’s a very good influence on everyone else,” she said. “When he has something to say, he lets people know.”
Doze will receive 100 percent of the selling price of his artwork with Creative Foundation’s support. The event is free of charge and will include selections of wine from Delaware’s Blend of Seven Winery.
