An event to inspire change – destigmatizing art

Submitted by Pathfinder Services

Creating art has a profound impact on the lives of artists. It is a powerful means of self-expression, enabling them to convey their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives to the world. Artistic creation allows artists to explore their inner selves, fostering personal growth, self-discovery and introspection.

Creating art can be cathartic, serving as an emotional outlet and a way to cope with life’s challenges. It provides a therapeutic avenue for artists to process their experiences, heal wounds, and find solace in the midst of turmoil. Through their art, artists can communicate their deepest joys, sorrows, fears, and hopes, fostering a sense of connection with others who resonate with their work.

Art creation also enables artists to challenge societal norms, question the status quo, and provoke meaningful conversations. It offers a platform for dissent, advocacy, and social commentary, empowering artists to address critical issues and inspire change. Art can transcend cultural, linguistic, and geographical boundaries, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and empathy.

With that being said, I ask you this… Why are Artists with disabilities stigmatized in the industry and by the consumers?

For at least nine years, we have invested in creating a space for these Artists to feel accepted, seen, and not judged. Our four art studios across Northeast Indiana are more than just basic programming at a day service for adults with disabilities. They are a place that begins to give a voice to Artists. Kaylee is a muralist and painter, and her time at our Creative Abilities art studio gave her the space to grow and learn how to transpose her love of nature into her work. Last year she completed her first large-scale painting inspired by the Ohio Caverns and completed an ocean mural. Another Artist, Trena, is learning how to combat anxiety through her art and has successfully sold her goods at a local coffee shop.

Art is for everyone, and we wish more people would see that. Art provides hope, understanding, and inclusion and deserves to be seen. Our annual Toast to the Arts event is one opportunity for our Artists to share their work and give back to the studio that supports them. Toast to the Arts is a fundraising event that directly benefits the art studios, but it’s so much more than that. It provides a platform to launch artists with disabilities into the public eye.

The impact of creating art extends beyond the individual artist; it touches the lives of others as well. Art has the power to evoke profound emotions, provoke reflection, and inspire action in its viewers. Through their creations, artists can inspire, uplift, challenge, and transform society, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.

Society has a long way to go to be fully inclusive of all artists. We also have growth to make, and Toast to the Arts creates the means to allow better advocacy to happen. Toast to the Arts is just the start, and we hope you join us in creating a more inclusive art world.