One Lansing company is using art as a means of expressing what its workers and residents might not otherwise be able to communicate.

"Art From the Heart" is an exhibit created by Peckham Inc., 2822 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., a career and rehabilitation center for those who have physical, mental and socio-economic disabilities.

The exhibit, which is located in the lobby of Wharton Center, features the artwork of 22 of the company's workers and residents.

"Basically (the art program) is to bring out the creativity of the individuals with disabilities. It allows them to explore their creative side," said Sue McGuire, art program developer for Peckham "Our goal is to bring the community awareness to artists with disabilities. I really can't stress the importance of the creative process for every individual, especially those with disabilities."

The art will be on display until Jan. 16. People can buy the artwork from the company, which collects the proceeds, along with the artists, to help support the program, Peckham spokesman Jeff Croff said.

"We provide training to persons with disabilities and job opportunities in an attempt for community enrichment and integration," Croff said. "(Art From the Heart) is going into its fifth year, and it was started with the premise of providing exposure to art for our workers."

Nina Silbergleit, a Wharton Center House Manager, said she and her co-workers have purchased some of Peckham's artwork in the past, and this year's exhibit has sold nine out of 42 pieces since its Dec. 15 opening reception.

"(The reception) puts a very professional feel for the artists. It became a professional moment for them and I think that's what makes it so exciting," she said. "Each year we've done a reception and we saw how exciting it was for them, and then it became even more important to do it every year."

Wharton Center has displayed Peckham's artwork four out of the five years.

Each year, the company has a retreat to Higgins Lake during the Fourth of July weekend, which started the art exploration.

The Peckham workers and residents started painting during that weekend and wanted to continue after the retreat weekend ended.

"We try to focus on programming that answers what (Peckham workers and residents) feel their needs are," Croff said. "The single biggest reason we do (the program) is the response from the participants who are not only exploring their artistic talent, but through communication; the art provides a different means of expressing that."