Nyco Products Company sponsored the Helping Hands Center 2nd Annual Gallery Night, Illuminating Lights, on November 9, where Nyco employee and Helping Hand Center client Chris Novak’s artwork was featured.
Nyco, manufacturer of specialty cleaning chemicals and sanitary maintenance brands, and Helping Hand Center (HHC), a nonprofit organization that assists persons with disabilities to achieve their highest level of independence, partnered together in 2016 to establish the Supported Community Employment Program where 13 HHC clients were hired to work on the Nyco production floor.
Chris Novak has been with the Supported Community Employment Program from the start in 2016.
“I’ve always had an interest in art and especially in free drawing,” said Chris during the evening’s presentation.
Chris often creates his masterpieces alongside his mom who also volunteers in the art room at HHC. Every one of Chris’s paintings was sold along with other paintings, ceramics, boxed card sets, and framed art created by HHC artists.
Many Nyco employees were in attendance at the Annual Gallery Night. On behalf of Nyco, Bob Stahurski, President and CEO, commented on the enjoyment and fulfillment the company receives from the reciprocal relationship with HHC.
“Our partnership with Helping Hand Center goes far beyond financial contribution, it is truly personal," said Stahurski. "As an employee, Chris is exemplary and as an artist he is inspiring. We are lucky to have him and all of the other HHC Community Employment Program members on our team.”
In addition to producing art, HHC clients were also invited to help sell their pieces. According to Helping Hands Center, “the experience helps clients improve money skills and social interaction in the community. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to advocate for themselves and spread awareness for the work people with disabilities are doing in the arts.”
All proceeds from the Annual Gallery Night benefited HHC.