Beyond the Canvas: How Maria and Crystal Transform Emotion Into Art at ASCEND

Maria's Art

Crystal's Art

Art at ASCEND: Where Emotions Become Images and Creativity Becomes Identity

Art is a way to speak without words. A space where adults with disabilities can turn their imaginations, emotions, passions, and personal stories into visual expression. Every canvas, every collage, every sketch is a declaration of identity and voice.

Today, we’re proud to spotlight two of our incredible ASCEND artists: Maria and Crystal, whose artistic journeys could not be more different—yet are equally powerful.

Maria: The Collage Storyteller With a Spooky, Grungy Soul

Maria creates collages—but not the kind you’d find on a typical vision board. Her style is unique, expressive, and full of personality. Every piece she makes feels like stepping into a little world she built herself.

She loves themes that are playful, bold, and a little mysterious. Instead of choosing simple everyday pictures, Maria gravitates toward images that spark her imagination—interesting textures, dramatic colors, unusual characters, and scenes that tell a story. She can take a handful of pictures that seem completely unrelated and turn them into a thoughtful, eye-catching collage that feels intentional and meaningful.

What makes her process even more special is the way she chooses her ideas. For Maria, creating art isn’t just about picking images or colors—it’s about listening to her feelings.

“My emotions tell me what to make,” she shared with us.

If she’s feeling calm, her artwork may reflect gentle shapes or softer tones.If she’s feeling excited, curious, or energized, she might choose bold pictures, strong contrasts, or surprising combinations.

This emotional connection also guides her paintings and colored-pencil drawings. Sometimes her artwork comes out light and airy—like a quiet moment. Other times it becomes more dramatic or expressive—like a scene from a storybook. And sometimes it lands somewhere in between.

No matter the style, one thing is always true:

Maria creates with courage and confidence.

She isn’t afraid to try new ideas, mix unexpected materials, or let her feelings lead the way. Her artwork reminds everyone at ASCEND that creativity is not about being perfect—it’s about being authentic, exploring new possibilities, and allowing your imagination to shine.

Maria’s art is a celebration of who she is: expressive, thoughtful, creative, and wonderfully original.

Crystal: The Realism Artist With a Steady Hand

Crystal expresses herself through calm focus and incredible attention to detail. Her artwork reflects a peaceful patience—one line at a time, one shadow at a time—until the picture begins to feel real, almost like it could step off the page.

Crystal’s favorite subjects to draw include:

• Her favorite movie characters, especially the ones that inspire her or make her smile

• Hands and other challenging anatomy, which she studies carefully

• Portraits, where she takes her time noticing the gentle curves, highlights, and shapes that make each face unique

  
  

Crystal once took an art class, and it’s clear that those lessons stayed with her. She remembers the techniques she learned—how to observe carefully, how to shade lightly, how to build depth—and applies them in a way that feels natural and confident.

She uses soft shading to bring light into her drawings, and she pays close attention to even the smallest details, like the wrinkles on a knuckle or the shine in a character’s eyes. Watching her draw, you can see how much care she puts into each piece. It’s the kind of care that inspires others to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty in everyday things.

“Whatever I feel like drawing, I draw,” Crystal stated.

This ease and simplicity give Crystal’s art a peaceful clarity. She follows her instincts, choosing subjects based on what feels right in the moment. When inspiration strikes—even if it’s something small or unexpected—she picks up her pencil and begins.

And the results speak for themselves.

Her drawings are clean, calm, and beautifully realistic. They show confidence without being flashy, skill without being overwhelming. Every piece feels like a quiet conversation between her and her artwork—a moment of focus, imagination, and joy.

Why Art Matters at ASCEND

Art is one of the many skill-building opportunities offered in our program, aligning with our mission to help adults with disabilities develop confidence, communication, and creative expression. Whether participants are working in digital media, painting, collage, animation, or realism, every project teaches:

• Focus

• Emotional expression

• Hand-eye coordination

• Problem-solving

• Creative exploration

• Perseverance

• Pride in accomplishment

  
  

We don’t just watch them create—we celebrate it.

Celebrating Our Artists

Maria and Crystal are shining examples of what happens when talent meets opportunity. Their artwork sparks conversation, curiosity, admiration, and sometimes even a little awe.

Each piece they create reflects who they are in the moment—a snapshot of imagination and personality. And as they continue their artistic journeys here at ASCEND, we’re honored to support them every step of the way.