Able ARTS Work

 

Able ARTS Work empowers individuals with developmental & intellectual disabilities through creative engagement by providing therapeutic, vocational, & educational art & music services. We believe music & art are vital tools to liberate & transform the lives of all people. Using evidence-based practices & range of creative arts therapies, our instructors & therapists assist service users to reach their individual social, educational, vocational & developmental goals. Our outreach programs support arts education for youth of all abilities & offer opportunities for accessible music & art education to the community at large. Our goal is to spark social change by unifying the community under a common interest: CREATIVITY.

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Since 1982, Able ARTS Work has provided adult day services for people with moderate to severe intellectual & developmental disabilities & autism through:

•  Daily, long-term music & art therapy to develop & strengthen personal, social, & developmental goals.
•  Vocational opportunities in art & music to pursue a creative path to financial autonomy.

 Meet a Resident Artist of Able ARTS Work: 

             

"I feel confident & comfortable here at Able ARTS Work. I have learned so many skills from the many different classes. When I do Noise Band, I get to play the keyboard & sing - which is my favorite thing to do. It makes me feel elated & overjoyed. I love performing but love it when I get to do it with my peers. When we record in Noise Band, I love making the arrangements ... choosing what instruments should be in it or not to make it sound the best it can be. I really like the whole kit & caboodle. I want to be here until I am 103!" - Kristin, AAW Resident Artist 

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Able ARTS Work provides tailored, in-home adaptive skills training through creative arts therapy & education for adults with developmental disabilities. 

Through the Mobile Arts Program, participants: 

• Gain necessary life skills for personal growth 
• Improve quality of life & promote long-term wellness
• Foster meaningful connections between individuals & the greater community

Meet a Client of the Mobile Arts Program:

"...It (MAP) was a blessing...The instructor taught her how to hold a pencil, how to draw...She really likes to paint, for example, to paint lakes, mountains, flowers, things like that - anything from nature... & my daughter began to talk & talk & she started to sing. She also started to articulate her words more because before she was unable to say "mama". This program has helped her immensely. I think the instructors they have here, are the some of the best... it is a real help for me...It makes me feel at ease as a mother..." - Parent of Mobile Arts Program Client 

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The Able ARTS Work gallery features original artwork & handmade items designed by resident artists. Our gallery was founded in the spirit of social inclusion, entrepreneurship & enterprise; to provide a creative space for artists, a place to be gainfully employed, & advocate for learning & personal growth to benefit the greater community.

Through the AAW Gallery, artists are provided : 

• Social inclusion for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities   
• Social entrepreneurship benefiting humanity through a business model of positive impact 
• Social enterprise using market-based strategies to advance our mission & values

Meet the Artists & Staff of the AAW Gallery :

        

"Exhibitions is an important part of the work we do at Able ARTS Work... we provide artists meaningful opportunities to be celebrated & earn commission showcasing work in our gallery or in community spaces & galleries. We create inclusive spaces that breakdown barriers in the arts & foster community through showcasing our resident artists alongside community artists. Many emerging artists have their first exhibition experience with us, gaining confidence & exposure, leading them to future opportunities in the arts." - Jennifer, Exhibitions Coordinator 

"I have participated in multiple group shows, sold work, & made so many meaningful connections with others in the disability community. They (Able ARTS Work) continue to nurture & encourage me as an artist, having provided me with the confidence to keep on this path...while also challenging me at times to step outside my comfort zone... I am so very grateful that this organization exists to create a space for this community..." - Kristin, Community Artist

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