The Arc NCR's "Sprout" to Debut Adaptive Clothing Show

“Abstract Brooklyn Bridge” submitted by Teon Blann of Baltimore is just one of the pieces of artwork to be displayed at this year’s festival.

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR) will host the seventh annual Sprout Film & Art Festival on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. at Water’s Edge Events Center (4687 Millennium Drive) in Belcamp, MD.

The event, which celebrates the artistic talents of people with all abilities, will begin with the opportunity to browse and purchase diverse art supplied by local Harford County artists while enjoying light refreshments. Guests will then be entertained by short films from the renowned NYC company, Sprout.

Included in this year’s film lineup is “JMAXX,” directed by Ryan Mayers, featuring a creative teenager with autism who uses hip-hop dance as a means to communicate his true self to the world. The Arc NCR will also show “Heart Over Body,” directed by Jared Corey, which features the remarkable story of a resilient athlete with cerebral palsy.

Jarrell Sullivan stars in “JMAXX” directed by Ryan Mayers. Photo Courtesy of Sproutflix

New for 2019, Sprout’s entertainment portion of the evening will feature Harford County’s first-ever adaptive and sensory-friendly clothing fashion show. Adaptive clothing is clothin designed for people with disabilities to help them get dressed more easily. For example, a shirt with what appears to be buttons, but they’re actually magnets or Velcro, or a pair of zipper-free, no-button jeans one can easily slide on and off. Sensory-friendly clothing items are designed specifically for those with sensory issues in mind. For example, an extra-soft, tag-less sweater for children who struggle with the feeling of harsh materials rubbing against their skin.

Ten local models will showcase adaptive and sensory-friendly pieces the night of Sprout. Among the ranks is Faith Guibault of Bel Air, who participated in the annual Runway of Dreams during New York Fashion Week for her second time in September this year. She will be modeling pieces from “Tommy Adaptive,” Tommy Hilfiger’s adaptive clothing line that began in 2016.

“We’re thrilled and honored to host the first adaptive and sensory-friendly clothing fashion show in Harford County,” says Shawn Kros, CEO of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region. “National brands are beginning to realize the importance of making inclusive and diverse fashion, and we’re proud to be a trendsetter in Maryland.”

Tickets are available for $12 per person online at www.arcncr.org or by calling 410-836-7177. Ticket includes light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. All proceeds benefit the services provided by The Arc NCR for individuals with differing abilities. To learn more about the Sprout Film & Art Festival, contact Cheryl Rufenacht, development & volunteer coordinator, at 410-836-7177, or CRufenacht@arcncr.org.