| ABOUT ART FROM THE HEART
Art from the Heart was founded in 1995 as an alternative-to-employment program focused on creativity and community inclusion for individuals who were moving out of the Fairview Training Center, the state institution for the disabled. Over the years Art from the Heart has grown and developed into an art school, studio, and gallery for adults with developmental disabilities to create, exhibit, and sell their art. Our mission is to foster each artist’s creative growth, build positive relationships within our community, and promote an awareness of the contributions of people of all abilities.
Beliefs
- Every person has inherent value as a human being.
- Each individual has an unlimited creative potential.
- Creative expression fosters personal growth and a feeling of self-worth.
- Sharing creativity helps bring individuals together, as art is language everyone can use.
- Being in community creates a sense of inclusion, a feeling of validation and a support network for individuals.
The School and Studio
Art from the Heart is open to enrolled participants 9:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday. The program provides time for independent work on creative projects and class instruction in drawing, painting, ceramics, wood, fiber arts, printmaking, bookmaking, theater, music and more. The program is enriched by field trips to museums, galleries, and artists’ studios; to local shops, parks and libraries; and through collaboration with other artists in the community. Artists produce art and craft that is for sale in the Art from the Heart gallery and to show in venues around the city. At Art from the Heart, uncensored self-expression is encouraged and celebrated, and the art created here is authentic, uninhibited, and inspiring.
The Gallery
All participants enrolled in the program have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their art in the Art from the Heart gallery. Artists receive 80% of the proceeds from the sale of their art. Selling art, earning an income and being recognized as a working artist produces a sense of accomplishment and increases artists’ self-esteem.
Art from the Heart serves adults with developmental disabilities who share an interest in exploring creativity in a community-driven environment. We require no previous arts experience, only a sincere desire to engage in and enjoy the art-making process. Participants are scheduled to come to the studio 2 to 5 days a week for 5 hours a day.
Application Process
1. First, talk with your case manager or personal agent, informing them of your interest in Art from the Heart. (If you are not part of Developmental Disabilities Services, talk to the Art from the Heart staff regarding the fees for the program and paying privately.)
2. Then, you or your case manager should contact Art from the Heart to set up an initial studio and gallery tour. You should plan to attend with your caregiver, family member or case manager/personal agent.
3. If after the tour, you are interested in attending Art from the Heart, inform your case manager and the staff at Art from the Heart, as they will assist you with setting up your schedule and get you started.
4. The first two months of your enrollment will be a trial period. This gives you the opportunity to fully integrate into our program. Upon the successful completion of your trial period, we will have a meeting with you to talk about your experience and to establish your personal goals, as they relate to your work at Art from the Heart. |
