Chief Program Officer, Kevin Walton, with UCP of Georgia’s seasonal scarecrow who uses a wheelchair
This fall, you can see United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia’s entry in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens’ Scarecrows in the Garden exhibit. Rainbow Star is a lively scarecrow using a wheelchair to represent the disability community. The imaginative decoration was built by program participants and support staff. The seasonal sculpture dons colorful clothing and stylish fall hair and makeup. The wheelchair she uses is also handmade by the UCP of Georgia team. Chief Program Officer, Kevin Walton, shared that Rainbow Star has garnered positive recognition while on display.
The Community Living and Day Program departments in Chamblee worked collaboratively on the project. The intellectual and developmental disability community is well represented in this seasonal event thanks to UCP of Georgia’s efforts. This kind of representation is important because people with disabilities need to see themselves in art, and our society benefits from becoming more inclusive and knowledgeable about disabilities. In creating and displaying a scarecrow who uses a wheelchair, the UCP of Georgia team reminds the larger community of the value of diversity for all of us.
The Gardens put on an annual display of dozens of scarecrow creations by local artists, crafters, youth groups and more. This year entrants are competing for exciting prize packages in a variety of categories. Judges will determine the winners, who will be announced live at the Garden’s fall event on October 27th. We are proud that the people we support value community and work together to demonstrate what it means to live a Life Without Limits!
Look for Rainbow Star and other favorite scarecrows throughout Atlanta Botanical Gardens at 1345 Piedmont Avenue in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park through October 30.
