As a mom of an adult son on the autism spectrum, I was thrilled to hear about Art For All, an amazing non-profit organization that gives people with different abilities opportunities to enjoy, learn about, create, exhibit, and sell art.

Art for All started eight years ago with a mom who wanted to expand her daughter’s experience with art beyond the special education classroom. I sat down with Mary Peterson recently to learn about how Art for All grew from that idea to a thriving non-profit and the difference it is making in our community. Mary’s first step was going to her church leadership to discuss holding an event there. They enthusiastically supported her idea, so she planned and executed Creative Connections. Through this event, she met Jill Rogers, a Licensed Recreational Therapist who shared her dream of making art accessible to all and Michele Mayatte, a naturopathic physician who caught their vision and co-founded Art for All which grew from a community group to an official non-profit two and a half years ago.

The three ladies decided to first focus on exhibiting the artists’ work. The artists received 80% of each sale. The other 20% went to supporting Art for All. This is still their policy. The exhibits were so successful that the trio was able to start paying instructors, renting spaces, and buying supplies.

At monthly workshops offered at Graphite Art Center in Edmonds, the participants learn different media from community artists and create art that they can take home or sell at local festivals and Shack Art Center. Twice a year, the participants visit museums like Cascadia Art Museum and sketch as they are inspired by the space. They also take trips to local parks to create as they listen to live music. The friendships formed between the artists in Art for All, as well as the connections made with artists in the community and volunteers, enrich the lives of everyone involved.

Over time, Art for All has expanded beyond visual art. They offer weekly drama classes through Super Star Theater, culminating in a performance in November. Quarterly they hold Culture Club, highlighting the food, music, and art of different countries. Monthly Dinner Club focuses on the medium of film, and Get Fit Club, a weekly zoom class, centers on physical and mental health. All these events and programs are affordable and accept respite hours. It is no wonder that one hundred people are enrolled. How can you help? Mary shared with me that Art for All would love more volunteers and is looking for a part-time painting teacher and space to hold a weekly class. Art for All facilitators are available to come to group homes and adult family homes as well.

The next Graphite Community Art Day is Wednesday, October 2 from 12:30-3:00. See the Art for All website for times and dates of all classes and events.

ART FOR ALL
www.artforallforum.org

Ginni is a wife, mom and educator who loves reading, Jeopardy, and escape rooms! She grew up in IL, but moved here after college and has called Everett home for over 22 years.