Creative Abundance Experiential Consulting

People who  were historically perceived as unemployable non-viable citizens, are  today creating visual evidence of the depth and wealth of the creative  human spirit. Offered a responsive structure, quality materials and  welcoming space, individuals with developmental differences reciprocate  with wildly imaginative, beautiful creations that are fresh and  approachable.

We  offer the 12 Stage Creative Abundance Model for changing traditional  sheltered workshops and adult day programs into community-centric  programming.  We believe that everything we need to make this change  already exists:  abundance and creativity.  We also believe that the  Creative Abundance Model can be applied to many settings (nursing  homes, day treatment programs, recovery programs, gender specific  programs, senior centers).  

Every  consulting experience is unique because we respond to the unique  interests and talents within your organization.  The consulting takes  place over two consecutive weeks. The project begins by meeting with the  leadership team to solidify the goals for the project and discuss the  parameters of the consulting.  Training for leadership team, managers,  direct support staff, board members and invited community members is an  integral part of the consulting process.  The training typically takes  place over a two-day span in order to make sure it is available to  everyone within the organization.

The next phase of the project  is to introduce a “making space”. A making space is designed with areas  of creative exploration that allow for people to work together on  individual projects. The concept of collaborative art making is also  introduced.  We introduce creative programming with your staff and  individuals by sharing examples of successful projects from like  organizations. Once participants see what is possible we ride that wave  of excitement and jump into art making.

We  are driven to create a positive and exciting experience for your  participants. We understand that the continuation of programming is  dependent on staff buying into the concept, picking up the ball and  running with it after the consulting is over. We see consulting as an  intense staff development opportunity that encourages innovative  approaches and builds on the talents and interests of staff members and  individuals you are serving.

Passion  Works is an international leader in collaborative community arts  programming. For 20 years participants and staff have been advancing  approaches and project ideas within an environment full of joy and  excitement. From how to organize a painting station, making adaptive  equipment, facilitating collaborations, partnering with higher  education…the studio has studied it and more. We want to share tips and  tricks to help organizations quickly advance. Once you witness what is  possible- you’ll want it for your own organization and we can help!

One Hour Tour
Schedule  time to visit Passion Works individually or with a group (up to 30  people). We will give you a tour, introduce you to our staff and  artists, answer your questions and give you time to shop in our store.

Half Day Tour and Introduction
Schedule  time to visit Passion Works individually or with a small group (up to 6  people). We will give you a tour, introduce you to our team of staff  and artists, talk about the Creative Abundance Model and let you  experience some time in the studio. We end the day with lunch and a  “round-up session” to process your observations.

One – Five Day Immersion Training
Immersion  Training is available for individuals or small groups (up to 6 people).  After your half-day introduction to Passion Works and the Creative  Abundance Model, you will have the opportunity to become fully engaged  by working side-by-side with our staff and artists. Susan Dlouhy and  Patty Mitchell will be on-site to guide you through the process. We end  each day with a “round-up session” to process what has been learned and  your observations.

How are Passion Works and Creative Abundance Consulting Connected?
Creative  Abundance CEO, Patty Mitchell founded Passion Works in 1998. She began  an experimental art studio within a sheltered workshop in Athens, Ohio.  She approached the opportunity collaborating with people through  individual interests and ability. The studio grew
and also responded  to needs of the sheltered workshop (engaging programming, employment  options) and community (volunteer participation, cultural identity,  tourist destination, higher education service learning).

Passion  Works has been wildly successful creating fine art, holding gallery  exhibitions, and designing public art works and products. Its signature  product, the Passion Flower, is the “Official Flower of Athens Ohio”.  Over 27,000 hand painted sculptural flowers have been made from  up-cycled aluminum. Passion Work Artists are recognized and truly  renowned celebrities.

Creative  Abundance Chief Operating Officer, Susan Dlouhy, is an experienced  Adult Day Program and Sheltered Workshop Administrator, 25 year CARF  surveyor, and consultant with a passion for advancing programming.
The  expertise of each created a new training approach supporting an  organization’s desire to shift traditional programing into creative  making spaces. Rethinking space and responding to the interests of staff  and participants have encouraged programs to naturally meet their goals  of designing engaging and community integrated programing.

Creative  Abundance Consulting has a team of artists and social entrepreneurs who  are ready to help you advance your arts programming to the next level.

Our  team of artists has demonstrated experience in photography, giant  puppet building, doll-making, sewing, book-binding, stamping and much  more. 

Our administrative team can assist with fund-raising, making community connections, organizing events, sale of artwork and more.

If  you are just starting out exploring the arts or have an existing art  program and would like to move into product development, community  inclusion or just like to try something new we are happy to assist you  in your adventure.​

Keynote addresses, conference presentations and full-day seminars are  offered by Susan Dlouhy and Patty Mitchell, authors of Upcycling  Sheltered Workshops. Susan and Patty offer a vibrant, timely message  delivered with enthusiasm and passion. Current challenges, such as  meeting the new guidelines from The Center for Medicaid Services (CMS),  are addressed through innovative approaches and actual experiences by  this team. The Creative Abundance Model (CAM) is shared as the framework  for transforming traditional day programs and workshops into  community-centric spaces. The CAM is also offered as a context for  leadership and social change within any organization. As a professional  artist, Patty has taken many photographs, which are shared to help the  audience to emotionally connect with the presentations.

Keynote Presentations – Start your meeting or conference with a dynamic presentation that  will engage audiences and set the tone for learning and innovation.

Pre-Conference Workshops – Full and half-day intensive sessions about the Creative Abundance  Model and its application to diverse populations and organizations.

Break-Out Sessions – One to two hour workshops that physically engage the audience in the  creative process. These sessions are fun, entertaining and team-building  exercises audiences will remember.

Staff Development – Full and half-day in-service sessions about the Creative Abundance Model, tailored to the host organization.