Every week, Cecil participates in programs through Access Gallery and other community art studios. His artwork ranges from colorful paintings to imaginative mixed-media creations built from everyday materials. One of his favorite projects involves creating wearable "scuba tanks" made from bottles, tape, and found objects—pieces that spark curiosity, conversation, and creativity.
His artwork has even been displayed and sold through community exhibitions.
"I make a lot of them," Cecil says proudly while sharing photos of his creations.
Art is just one way Cecil expresses himself.
One of his lesser-known creative pursuits is writing.
In addition to creating artwork and music, Cecil enjoys developing original story ideas and screenplays. During our conversation, he enthusiastically shared several works-in-progress, including a screenplay titled "Miss Gym Teacher, Beware." He also described other stories featuring secret agents, adventure, and characters inspired by people and experiences in his life.
Like his artwork, Cecil's stories are fueled by imagination, humor, and curiosity. He enjoys developing characters, creating plots, and dreaming up new adventures.
In fact, Cecil has already begun sharing some of his screenplay ideas with the CLA team and hopes to continue developing them in the future.
Cecil has offered to share To the Gym Instructor, Beware with us, and we look forward to featuring excerpts and additional details on our website as he continues bringing his stories to life.
For Cecil, creativity isn't limited to one medium. Whether he's building wearable art, composing music, gardening, or writing stories, he's always exploring new ways to express himself and connect with others.
Music is another lifelong passion.
Inspired by his father, who worked with pianos throughout Denver and served in the Army, Cecil developed an early love of music. Rather than taking formal lessons, he taught himself to play by ear and enjoys creating original music using keyboards and electronic sounds. Today, he spends time experimenting with music in the CLASS music room and developing his own compositions.
Outside of art and music, Cecil stays active in his community. He attends yoga classes, visits local libraries, enjoys car shows, explores swimming opportunities, works on creative projects, and participates in community outings through CLASS. He is always looking for opportunities to learn something new or connect with others.
He is also an enthusiastic gardener.
Through the CLASS Garden and Greenhouse program, Cecil grows vegetables including carrots, beets, broccoli, and corn. Gardening provides another opportunity to learn new skills, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to harvest. With support from volunteers and staff, he continues to expand his gardening knowledge while contributing to the shared garden space.
What makes Cecil's story especially meaningful is the network of relationships he has built over the years.
Although most of his relatives live outside Colorado, Cecil has developed a strong circle of friends, support professionals, instructors, neighbors, and community members who play important roles in his life. Whether he's collaborating with fellow artists, attending yoga, sharing ideas with friends, or working with support staff, connection remains at the center of everything he does.
At CLASS, Cecil enjoys spending time in the music room, participating in activities, and connecting with others who share his interests. He values the opportunity to explore creativity, build friendships, and remain engaged in the community.
What stands out most about Cecil isn't any single hobby—it's his curiosity.
Whether he's creating artwork, composing music, growing vegetables, exploring community activities, developing screenplay ideas, or dreaming up his next invention, Cecil is always learning, creating, and finding new ways to express himself.
That spirit of creativity and exploration is part of what makes him such a valued member of the CLASS community.
When asked what he wants people to know about him, his answer is simple:
"I like to help people out."
It's a reflection of the creativity, kindness, and community spirit that have shaped a life filled with purpose, friendship, and possibility.
And this summer, Cecil will be sharing one of his lifelong passions with others.
As a participant in CLA's upcoming CLASS Open House & Talent Show, Cecil plans to take the stage and play the keyboard, showcasing the musical talent he has developed over many years. Inspired by his father and largely self-taught, music continues to be one of the ways Cecil expresses his creativity and connects with others.
His performance is just one example of the many talents, interests, and accomplishments that participants bring to the CLASS community.
If you've been curious about CLASS Day Program, we invite you to join us for our Open House & Talent Show. You'll have the opportunity to meet participants like Cecil, tour the program, connect with families and staff, and experience firsthand the creativity, connection, and sense of belonging that make this community so special.
CLASS Open House & Talent Show
July 29 | 5:30–7:30 PM
CLASS Day Program | Aurora
Come meet Cecil, hear him play the keyboard, and discover what belonging, creativity, and community look like at CLASS.
