The (Second) Happiest Place on Earth

There isn’t an empty spot in the studio. The walls are vibrant with colorful mosaics and adorned with whimsical papier-mâché animals. The strains of upbeat music, the sight of artists diligently glazing pottery and the earthy scent of clay make it impossible to not want to create.

Image

In his usual spot in the corner, Brad Biddlecome works alongside his student worker. She leans over him, mesmerized by the detailed landscape he’s sketched with colored pencils. The two exchange a few sentences as Biddlecome shares his inspiration for the drawing.

Biddlecome doesn’t say much with words, but his infectious smile and meticulous drawings tell you everything you need to know. He is a gifted artist, a fan of University of Arizona sports — and one of the studio’s most beloved fixtures.

Biddlecome is known around the studio for his intricate landscapes and use of abstraction, but he finds the most joy in drawing faces.

“I made it for a GymCat,” he says, showing off a colorful drawing of a member of the gymnastics team.

“My dad buys season tickets.”

Image

His enthusiasm is contagious as he shares stories about his past projects, from a red clay lamb with blue eyes sitting on his desk to a portrait-based art show in collaboration with the Arizona School of Art titled “Face2Face.”

Since 2010, Biddlecome has been attending daily classes at ArtWorks, an outreach program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, housed in the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the Department of Family and Community Medicine. As a devoted f

an of the painter and longtime PBS host Bob Ross, Biddlecome has always had a passion for art, but it was here that his experience as a creator blossomed.

Biddlecome and about 20 other artists have been commissioned to create projects across Arizona through the ArtWorks program, most recently for the Arizona Caregiver Coalition and the College of Medicine – Tucson.

ArtWorks also hosts pop-up sales, and Biddlecome is always there to advertise them. “It’s all for sale!” he smiles, pointing at art and rubbing his fingertips together to indicate cash. This past Valentine’s Day, artists sold handcrafted magnets, pins and cards on campus.

Image

Yumi Shirai, Ph.D., ’99 ’06 ’11, the director of ArtWorks, has a goal of supporting a holistic environment that focuses on both the creative expression and personal development of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Shirai has a deep connection to the ArtWorks community, which served as a second family to her when she first came to the United States as an international student.

“If we only focus on the productivity of being adults, it can be very limiting,” Shirai says. “I think that creative expression can really provide us with opportunities. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, they can be aware of their talent beyond their cognitive level or communication skills.”

But ArtWorks isn’t just for the artists. Medical students, art majors, student-athletes and even Wilma Wildcat frequent the studio to create, make friends and learn valuable skills.

In the Student Field Laboratory, U of A students get hands-on experiences outside of their classroom and clinical settings, developing practical skills in working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Shirai believes that these early positive interactions are crucial, especially for aspiring medical students who may not encounter diverse populations until far into their career.

Image

“Providing the space for students is very important. By having ArtWorks in the academic community, they can be advocates,” Shirai says.

It’s ArtWorks’ dedication to fostering empathy and learning that truly makes it special. As instructional specialist and program coordinator Elizabeth Vargas describes it, ArtWorks is “the happiest place on Earth.”

An artist named Cody pipes up: “Except for Disneyland.”