EL CENTRO — Adjoin held Thursday evening an exhibit of artwork, knit work, jewelry, and other items at their East Main Street venue.

For artist Alejandra Valeria Rodriguez, who has been in the program for about a year and nine months, the experience has been extremely pleasant. Previously, while taking classes at Imperial Valley College, Rodriguez made some drawings. However, it was her instructor Sofia Salazar who encouraged her to venture into other arts, including jewelry and crochet.

“They are in charge of me, but I want to be more independent,” said the artist in an interview. “They only give me a little guidance and I try to make different art for each exhibition.”

According to the artist, she previously made crafts in different programs in  Imperial Valley. Art, in her case, has motivated her to do different things, such as ceramics, soap making, and other crafts.

Her art has already been sold. It is a painting by the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

For Rodriguez, art not only allows her to relax but also to be inspired.

“It reflects what you want to express,” said Rodriguez. “Besides, when you see it done, it is an emotion that cannot be explained.”

The artist thanked her instructors within the program, Sofia Salazar, as well as those who now coordinate and take care of the different classes who have inspired her to do new things.

Adjoin Creative Arts Coordinator Laura Gomez said the A.R.T.E. Exhibition Vida en Color is part of an arts program for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A.R.T.E. stands for Authentic Relationships through Creative Expression, a flyer reads.

“Today we are showcasing and exhibiting their art,” Gomez said, who explained the event was held in conjunction with the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Imperial Valley Food Bank.

Entrance had no cost, but visitors were asked to donate at least one non-perishable food item.

Thursday’s exhibition included work from 10 artists.

Gomez said the program has been running for almost two years. It began with four participants and is currently approaching a dozen artists from all over the Imperial Valley.

According to Gomez, the exhibit was conceived by Program Manager Ceci Vargas.

The Arte by Adjoin Creative Arts Coordinator said artists are referred by partner agency San Diego Regional Center — a disability services and support organization located at North Imperial Avenue in El Centro.

Arte by Adjoin provides art classes to referred artists. Their work led to the painting of a Frida Kahlo mural on their classroom’s wall.

“That inspired the artwork that you see on the wall today,” Gomez said about dozens of paintings and crafts hanging at the center. “They each contributed a design, and then each painted that individual design that is on the canvases that you’ll see on the wall as well.”

Gomez said the center has another, more flexible program with classes taking from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, in which participants choose the days they want to take their classes. The A.R.T.E two-year program is held on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., she said.

Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sher Cowie said the chamber holds a mixer every third Thursday of the month. As the dates coincided, the chamber decided to hold its mixer along with the art exhibit.

“This evening’s mixer is being hosted by Adjoin in conjunction with their art exhibition that is based on the mural that they did of Frida Kahlo,” Cowie said. “It is wonderful to help these amazing artists. Their artwork is beautiful.”

The chamber president said she bought one of the art pieces during the exhibition.

“I’m very excited about it,” she said. “we love being a part of what they’re doing here and being able to highlight the artists that are involved.”

Christopher Erik Rascon, an artist, and San Diego Vision Center board member, considered being part of Thursday’s exhibition as great.

“I feel good,” Rascon said, noting that in the program he has met other artists with whom he has done joint work. The artist, whose brother Gregory also participated in Thursday’s exhibit, said participants must follow strict rules while at the center.

Christopher Erik Rascon was able to sell some of his artwork during the exhibit, including a diamond and a flamingo although his peach mango artwork was not doing well. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” he said.

The artist said he was referred to the program by his caseworker Myrna Cardenas Navarro. Once at Adjoin instructor Salazar provided a helping hand to begin his path in arts.

Rascon, also a Karate fighter, said he also hopes to visit Okinawa, Japan, sometime in the future to meet a Sensei there.