VIDEO: Indonesian Music Comes to Epic Enterprise

Joko Sutrisno, an expert on the multi-faceted Indonesian gamelan instrument, visited Epic Enterprise in Dundas on Friday for a 2.5-hour "out-of-comfort-zone" music presentation to Epic staff that culminated in a performance on the ensemble instrument by staff members.

The event was funded through an ongoing two-year Legacy grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Epic has decorated its walls with the art generated by its clients—some of whom suffer from profound developmental disabilities—through this grant, according to Epic board member David Gonnerman.

Gonnerman said experiences have been groundbreaking for some, including one client who used to spend days flipping through magazines without registering what was on the pages, but now is creating art and engaging with others; another client whom no one had seen smile in years was found giggling on the floor as she held the art piece she had just created. 

Realizing how art can transform its Life Enrichment clients, Gonnerman said Epic provides arts learning experience for its entire staff—not just the art specialists—so that each staff member has a chance to experience arts enrichment and enhance how she or he relates to clients.

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