Hidden Treasures


An Arts Education Program for People with Special Needs
Hidden Treasures Classes and Creative Arts Specialists

Arts & Crafts

Arts & Crafts offers students the opportunity to create based on their individuals talents and interests. Classes have included sewing, flower arranging, woodworking and jewelry making.  New classes are often added based on students' suggestions and to expand on the current program.

 

Lucille McCarthy & Sharon Sinnott, Arts & Crafts

 

Studio Art
In Studio Art, students develop their creative skills as artists while broadening their appreciation of the fine arts.  A variety of techniques are explored including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, media exploration, and sculpture.

 

Nella Barisic, Studio Art


Student Comments:

    • Roberta: I like coming to class because I like to meet people.  
    • Jenny: I learned a lot that I didn't know. My parents didn't ask me to do this; I chose it on my own.  
    • Margaret: I don't know how good I am, but I like doing it.  
    • Marty: I like to show my art to other people.  
    • Jimmy: I feel proud and happy when I see a finished art piece.

Tap Dance

The emphasis of the Tap class is technique.  Students are taught complex dance moves and footwork.  This class requires a lot of concentration and dedication from the students to learn very difficult tap skills.  The students work hard and are rewarded with learning an advanced form of dance that few people can master. 

 

Caitlin Verhave, Modern Dance I, and Tap Dance

 

Student Comments 

    • Donna: I come to Hidden Treasures so I can be a star on stage.

Musical Drama

Classes in drama and song present a unique opportunity for students to work on and enjoy the many aspects of stage performance.  Confidence and self esteem are nurtured through exploration of students' creative abilities.  Improvisation, stage presence, timing, projection and self expression through various theatrical pieces are incorporated into these classes.

 

Billy Ayres & JoAnne Cerretani, Musical Drama

Modern Dance

Dance choreography present the opportunity for students to learn different styles of dance, to dance as a troupe, and to express themselves through the freedom of movement. The emphasis is on learning simple fundamental dance moves while enjoying the freedom of expression dance offers. 

 

Claudia Camachio, Modern Dance II

 

Student Comments:

    • Sheila: I like to learn different dance steps so I can be in the talent show.
    • Frankie: I've always liked to dance.
    • Samantha: I'm happy here.

Volunteerism
Hidden Treasures welcomes volunteers to help run the program.  Click here for more information on How To Help.

Denyele Urciuoli, Assistant Director of Hidden Treasures

Denyele received her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management and a minor in Business Administration from Towson University in 2006.  In 2019, she joined CLC Foundation as the Director of Trust Services.  Denyele is most proud of her 2011 graduation from Pace University with a Master degree in Public Administration.  As part of the Hidden Treasures team, her favorite part of the program is the end of the year talent show!
Lucille McCarthy, Hidden Treasures Director

Ms. McCarthy began her career in the restaurant and catering services business where she “learned how to be patient, tolerant and respectful of others while wearing many hats from waitress to captain to Assistant to the Matre’ D.”
 

She began working with developmentally disabled people in 1992 after securing a position at Community Living Corporation.  She has found this to be the career she is most proud of.  In 1997, Ms. McCarthy and a friend and the parent of a disabled child co-founded Hidden Treasures to address the needs of community integration and social interaction of disabled adults while broadening their creativity.  Today, Lucille is a resident manager at CLC and Director of Hidden Treasures, which is now sponsored by the CLC Foundation.