Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Art Education
First Advisor
Dr. Ryan Patton
Second Advisor
Dr. Lillian Lewis
Third Advisor
Dr. David Naff
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Mariah Crilley
Abstract
Making art is a universal human behavior, the impact of which has been shown to offer rich ontological opportunities for the maker. Individuals with developmental disabilities commonly have less access to divergent, exploratory, and materially rich art encounters which limits the opportunities for self-making such experiences can provide. This qualitative, multiple-case study analyzed the art practices and products of three adults with developmental disabilities to explore the relationship between making art and making self. Analyses of cases explored self-building within four ontological domains: agency, awareness, engagement, and expression. The art behaviors and studio conditions that support self-making were examined through a new materialist conceptualization of making defined as “authentic”. The study’s results indicate that artmaking and self-making are constructively and dynamically intertwined, especially when encouraged by the material and sensory entanglements that come from authentic art experiences. The results also demonstrate the qualities of self-making for the artists studied, offering insight into the connection artmaking has with engagement, agency, expression, and awareness. Results can be used to extend understanding of the impact of art engagement for adults with developmental disabilities; help to advocate for the inclusion of authentic, anti-ableist arts programming among organizations that support individuals with disabilities, including schools and museums; and finally, encourage studio practices – for disabled and non-disabled groups alike - that embrace intra-action, morphogenesis, and prosthesis - the foundations of authentic artmaking experiences. Creative practices such as these offer artists more than just opportunities for making art; they offer meaningful methods for making self.
Rights
© Amy Keenan-Amago
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-8-2026