Ocean City High School ASL Club Raises $1,850 During Deaf Painting Party

Ocean City, NJ – The American Sign Language (ASL) Honor Society at Ocean City High School raised more than $1,850 during a painting party at the school led by Deaf

artist and graphic designer Ashley Shaffer on Friday, March 18.

Shaffer, of Baltimore, used a piece of her own original artwork to instruct and guide 85 participants in painting the piece, titled “Strength,” step-by-step.

Miss Cape Resort 2016 Devan Fogarty, a 2010 Ocean City High School graduate, was among the school’s alumni who joined students, children and members of the Deaf community who gathered to socialize and paint, each taking home their masterpiece with the ASL symbol for “I love you.”

“This is my first time doing a painting party, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I couldn’t turn down this opportunity,” Shaffer said. “I wanted to get my experiences out. Deaf art is a strong visual sense, and it’s a way for me to express myself. It represents myself, and my love for my identity and my culture. While you’re making art, you can always find something new about yourself and your creative side.”

“The proceeds from the painting party will support scholarships for seniors at Ocean City High School who are studying ASL and who plan to continue on in sign language,” Ocean City High School ASL teacher Amy Andersen said. “We are just thrilled to hold this event and have a Deaf artist here tonight. We are so excited that she’s here with us.”

Earlier in the day, Ocean City High School ASL students from Andersen’s classes met and learned about Shaffer and Deaf Visual Image Art, often known as De’Via Art.

Shaffer spoke about her inspiration, what her artwork means to her, what life is like as a Deaf artist, and more.

Students recently spent two weeks studying De’Via Art, and made canvas replicas of one of Shaffer’s pieces, which were displayed around the classroom as a surprise for her.

Then, the 12 members of the ASL Honor Society at Ocean City High School were busy setting up, welcoming participants, and then cleaning up after the painting party.

“I absolutely love ASL. I like learning about the culture and how you can communicate in different ways; it’s so different and fun,” said Ocean City High School senior Kirsten Blair, a resident of Marmora, who is in Andersen’s ASL I class. “I like being able to sign with the little ones and I can tell that they know what I’m saying, and I know what they’re saying.”

Attendees paid $30 for the art supplies necessary to create their pieces, and refreshments. Maverick Art Studio in Cape May Court House provided the paint, paintbrushes, and easels, while Ocean City High School parents donated the canvases and refreshments.

“Anything I can do to be involved with the community, I love,” Maverick Art Studio owner Carol Anne Futrell said. “I want to bring local artists and the community together, and I like doing things to raise money. I’m so glad Ocean City High School called.”

The information for this post and the attached images were provided by Ocean City High School:

Photo 1 – Devon Daglish displays her painting, her take on Ashley Shaffer’s “Strength.”

Photo 2 – OCHS senior Kirsten Blair, far right, in red, connected with both Deaf and hearing people at the painting party.

Photo 3 – The 85 attendees included those who can hear and those who are Deaf.

Photo 4 – Peyton Ringer, a six-year-old Deaf child from Upper Township, meets with Ashley Shaffer, a Deaf artist from Baltimore.