Tri-Valley offering Christmas cards

In the program, TVDS clients and staff are trying to help people with the time it takes to find quality Christmas cards. Earlier this year, clients who participate in art therapy classes at TVDS began creating Christmas cards that will be sold to help fund the program.

"I routinely have 22 to 26 clients in each class," Linda Bryant, an art therapist at TVDS, said. "Everyone loves to draw. Put a pencil or pen in someone's hand and see what they do with it. Christmas has so many different themes that the idea of creating cards was just a natural fit."

Bryant added that she is not the least surprised at the artistic talent she's seen from clients.

"I think some of them were pretty surprised at how well they could draw Santa or reindeer," she said. "But I hope the class brings out the talent that was always there."

Even for those who find art to be challenging, benefits do exist, Bryant said.

"Art is a tool we can all use to see things differently, it's not an end result," she said. "Our clients without natural talent gain more appreciation for those who do, for the world, for everything.

Bryant structures the art classes to aid those with developmental disabilities with recognition of objects, nature, colors, and to improve memory.

"We are proud of what has been accomplished and eager to announce our greeting card program to the public," she said. "We have the art work produced through our classes that are featured on the cards."

Christmas cards are now available at each TVDS service center or by calling the Chanute center at (620) 431-7401, extension 229, or the Fort Scott center at 223-7922.

"Christmas is an important time of the year for many people and part of the holiday season involves giving and receiving cards from family and friends," a statement from the agency said.

The TVDS art therapy classes are currently working on all occasion cards and will have the cards available to purchase starting this week. The cards will be available in bundles of 10 for $5. The profits from the cards will benefit the life enrichment programs offered by TVDS, the agency statement said.