NEWBERRY — The Newberry County Disability and Special Needs Board celebrated their third annual Artabilities Art Show and Open House on March 22, which brought in more than 60 visitors.

Cindy Farr, Quality Enhancement director, said they were pleased with the turn out and are looking forward to the attendance growing in the future. She added that members of the community were able to see what services the NCDSNB offer.

“Last year we moved the show to the workshop floor. By doing this attendees had the opportunity to walk through and tour the facility on the way to see the art. I believe everyone was attentive to the many different options that are available for working such as piece rate jobs and mobile work crews, like the lawn maintenance and janitorial crews,” she said.

Guests were also able to view the Kindness Rocks NCDSNB members, along with members of the community, helped paint and decorate. Farr said the Kindness Rocks were a hit with guests and they were interested in learning more about the project.

“We have not started placing the rocks in the community yet. Everyone loved the rocks and were interested to hear how the project works. We are planning to take them throughout the county, probably the best places to find them will be around parks and other places where the community gathers,” she said.

Once the rocks are distributed throughout the community, people are encouraged to post a picture of the rock they found on the NCDSNB Facebook using #ncdsnbrocks.

With the success of this year’s Art Show and Open House Farr hopes as the NCDSNB grows each year, the show will get bigger.

“Every year we try to make it bigger and better. We already have plans for next years show and we will begin working on it this fall. Our next community event will be the Ruth S. Pugh Golf Tournament which will be held on April 19 at the Mid-Carolina Country Club,” Farr said.

A total of 48 pieces of art were included in the art show, with all 48 being sold.

The Newberry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board also celebrated 40 years of serving the community during the Art Show and Open House with light refreshments for guests.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art3.jpgThe Newberry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board also celebrated 40 years of serving the community during the Art Show and Open House with light refreshments for guests. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Bob Jones, NCDSNB executive director and Pat Maley, SCDDSN interim state director, stop for a picture.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art4.jpgBob Jones, NCDSNB executive director and Pat Maley, SCDDSN interim state director, stop for a picture. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

An artist shows off a piece to guests.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art5.jpgAn artist shows off a piece to guests. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Kindness Rocks on display for viewing. Members of the community along with NCDSNB members painted and decorated the rocks, which will soon be hidden around the community.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art1.jpgKindness Rocks on display for viewing. Members of the community along with NCDSNB members painted and decorated the rocks, which will soon be hidden around the community. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Guests browsing through the artists’ pieces.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art2.jpgGuests browsing through the artists’ pieces. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Artists enjoyed showing off their finished artwork to the community.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art8.jpgArtists enjoyed showing off their finished artwork to the community. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Guests could bid on pieces in a silent auction. All 48 entries would sold.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art9.jpgGuests could bid on pieces in a silent auction. All 48 entries would sold. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

A poster highlighting the work that the NCDSNB has done in its 40 years of serving the community.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art10.jpgA poster highlighting the work that the NCDSNB has done in its 40 years of serving the community. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Attendees were also able to browse through Billy’s Crafts while at the Art Show.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art6.jpgAttendees were also able to browse through Billy’s Crafts while at the Art Show. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Guests browsing through jewelry up for sale.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Art7.jpgGuests browsing through jewelry up for sale. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@newberryobserver.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.