Today we’d like to introduce you to George J. Gilliam.
Hi George, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
George J. Gilliam founded Creative Identity’s Therapeutic Music & Expressive Arts program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 1996 to foster the musical and artistic talents of this often-marginalized population, as well develop their entrepreneurial skills through the sales of the artwork and ceramic ware that they create. The program began with one participant who has autism and is a prodigious savant, and now the program has grown to serve over 55 individuals with disabilities ranging from mild to moderate developmental disability, autism, and Down syndrome. Creative Identity utilizes a variety of creative, expressive, and performance arts to assist program participants with developing and improving cognitive skills, social skills, and prevocational skills. Through participation in the arts, individuals can increase their independent thinking skills, problem-solving skills, effective communication, self-initiative, stress reduction/relaxation skills, positive self-image, and appropriate social interactions. Individuals participate in classes that include: learning to play musical instruments, small ensemble singing, and choir, making ceramic wares, and painting on canvas or silk items such as scarves. Participant artwork is offered for sale periodically through events at the program and in the community such as craft fairs. Participants can earn a commission from the sale of their work. They also have the opportunity to participate in bi-annual community concerts, write and produce original songs, and participate in art exhibitions. Creative Identity utilizes multiple musical and artistic modalities to enhance the quality of an individual’s life and to help them engage the wider society in an eloquent manner. The program seeks to provide a transitional program that will assist the individual with developing a successful lifestyle within the community as a whole.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road and Creative Identity continues to face great challenges with obtaining the necessary funding for its program services. The program is funded by the State of California; however, the funding is inadequate to meet the difficulties of rising business costs and the challenges of maintaining our professional staff. While Creative Identity actively engages in grant writing and fundraising, the program needs the help of individual, corporate and foundational donations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a music therapist and have been a professional jazz guitarist for over fifty years and this has informed my techniques in reaching and developing the artistic aspirations of the people we serve, who are adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am most proud of the ability to touch and support the lives of our participants and improve their quality of life. The program is known for the high level of fine arts education we provide, wherein Person-Centered programing is utilized. I am also proud that this is Creative Identity’s twenty-sixth year of providing fine arts educations and pre-vocational skill building to this often-marginalized population.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The level of personal commitment it takes to do this job over the years is as challenging as it is rewarding. If people are interested in supporting and/or donating to Creative Identity, they can visit our website at: creativeidentity-oc.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativeidentity-oc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeidentity_oc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeIdentityAnaheim
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ggilliam60
Image Credits
George J. Gilliam
Valerie Huffman Herring
Creative Identity
