From Cyber Books to Moses Mania, the Stories We’ve Brought You During the Year Have Had Some Surprising Developments

They could have had this whole holiday week off. “No need to come in if you don’t want to,” they were told. But of the 110 developmentally disabled adults who spend every weekday painting, drawing, sculpting and weaving at the Exceptional Children’s Art Center in L.A., only 15 chose to stay at home and relax. A day without art is no holiday to them.

Since January, when a feature on the center (“Explosions of Brilliance”) ran in The Times, the cast of teachers and artists there has not changed. Severely disabled men and women--some of whom, despite the center’s name, have been going there for decades--arrive daily at the old building in the Crenshaw district. Some are unable to read, count money or even hold coherent conversations. But their art speaks in ways they cannot. It has been exhibited at galleries and in shows, sold to collectors, commissioned for murals and greeting cards.

Psychologist Richard Webb-Msemaji, the center’s director and spiritual guide, says the center was “engulfed” by media after the article ran. “Everyone from local news to ’60 Minutes’ wanted to see what we’re about. People came to visit and they bought a tremendous amount of art. But more important than that, a number of our artists became identifiable and recognizable by their work.” The paintings of 33-year-old Tammy Brackens, for example, were so sought after “that we couldn’t keep a Tammy work in the house. People tried to take them from her as she was painting them. We had to stop selling her things for a few months so we’d have enough art for our next exhibit,” the director recalls.

Notoriety and money mean little to Brackens and the other artists. They want only to remain in this comforting place, with this loving staff who understand that disability does not preclude intelligence or talent. “Many get no recognition or encouragement from family or friends,” says Webb-Msemaji. “People still ask them, ‘What will you do after you’re finished with painting?’--as if art is not a substantive use of their time. Would it be better for them to spend six hours a day learning to stuff combs into plastic bags?”

But the director is worried. He says that soon, during renovation of the neighborhood, their building will be torn down. He hopes to open a new workshop nearby, with an attached exhibit space so that visitors will not be strolling the aisles while the artists are at work. If you want to help, phone (323) 290-2000.