About Arts of Life
Arts of Life is a non-profit organization that has been advancing the creative arts community since 2000. The organization provides artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership. Arts of Life believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves creatively, regardless of their abilities.
The organization was founded by Veronica Cuculich, Denise Fisher, and Shannon Stratton in Chicago. They recognized the need for a space where artists with disabilities could come together to create art and build community. Today, Arts of Life has two studio locations in Chicago and one in Glenview, Illinois.
The studios are open to artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are interested in exploring different mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, fiber arts, ceramics or digital media. The artists work alongside professional staff members who provide guidance and support while encouraging them to develop their own unique style.
One of the key goals at Arts of Life is to empower its artists by providing them with opportunities for leadership development. The organization offers training programs that help its members develop skills such as public speaking or project management so they can take on more responsibility within the studio or even outside it.
Arts of Life also places great emphasis on community engagement. The organization regularly hosts exhibitions showcasing its members' work at galleries throughout Chicago as well as other cities across the country. These events not only provide exposure for the artists but also help raise awareness about disability rights issues.
In addition to exhibitions, Arts of Life also offers workshops where visitors can learn about different art techniques from its members themselves. These workshops are designed not only for people interested in learning new skills but also for those who want to gain a better understanding of what it means to be an artist with a disability.
Another way Arts of Life engages with communities is through partnerships with local businesses and organizations. For example, they have collaborated with Whole Foods Market on several occasions where they created murals inside stores using recycled materials like cardboard boxes or plastic bags.
Arts of Life's impact goes beyond just providing opportunities for artistic expression; it helps break down barriers between people living without disabilities (able-bodied)and those living with them (disabled). By creating spaces where everyone can come together around shared interests like art-making or advocacy work related specifically towards disabled individuals' rights , this nonprofit promotes inclusion while celebrating diversity.
In conclusion,
Arts Of life is an inspiring non-profit organisation that provides individuals living with intellectual & developmental disabilities an opportunity to explore various forms of art while developing essential life skills such as leadership & communication . Through various initiatives like exhibitions ,workshops & collaborations ,the organisation aims at promoting inclusivity & breaking down barriers between able-bodied individuals & those living with disabilities . With over two decades worth experience under their belt ,it's no surprise why Art Of life continues being one-of-a-kind organisation dedicated towards empowering disabled individuals through creativity!
artsoflife.org
