by Taylor Webb
Art connects us, inspires us and engages us. Community art spaces are accessible environments dedicated to exploring creativity and fostering social connections. They represent opportunities for experimenting with new ideas and collaborating with other creatives. Art transcends traditional ideas of social acceptability and norms by opening the mind of the viewer to the artist’s world view.
Art is an area where many autistic individuals excel. Their art reflects their unique experiences and perspectives via a physical representation of emotions and language. It offers a method of communication for those who are non-verbal and a safe space for emotional processing. Non-autistic artists and community members have much to learn from the imagination and expression of artists with disabilities.
Whether you are an autistic artist looking to participate or a non-artistic artist looking to appreciate new art, there are two local spaces in Chicago that are a must-visit:
1. Project Onward at 1200 W. 35th St. Chicago, IL 60609
This non-profit’s gallery is on the 4th floor of the Bridgeport Art Center. The studio is wheelchair accessible and is open for a visit Monday and Tuesday by appointment only and Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am - 5 pm.
They aim to create an inclusive and diverse environment for individuals with disabilities to create and sell their work. They emphasize free access to workspace, materials and guidance if the artist wishes. They hold professional exhibitions and community events to buy and sell art. Project onward currently supports more than 60 either autistic artists or artists with other disabilities - and is accepting more.
This 18 x 24 oil on canvas piece by Michelle Livingston titled “Sacred love” is currently available for $350.00.
Image Caption: Livingston, Michelle. Sacred Love. Project Onward, https://www.projectonward.org/product-page/sacred-love-by Accessed 2024.
On September 20th, “The Beastiarium” Exhibition is open from 6-9 pm.
Shop more original works here: https://www.projectonward.org/shop-all
They encourage donations which can be made here: https://www.projectonward.org/donate
Learn more about Project Onward here: https://www.projectonward.org/
2. Arts of Life at 2010 W Carroll Ave Chicago, IL 60612 or1963 Johns Drive Glenview, IL 60025 or 6400 South Kimbark Chicago, IL 60637
This non-profit was started in January 2000, and they aim to “create a person-centric, working artistic community and provide a work environment of equality and inclusion in Chicago.”
Arts of Life offers a meaningful career in the visual arts for artists with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Each artist has individual studio space and creative independence. Artists receive a monthly stipend, leadership opportunities and share their art in community galleries.
You can inquire about this 12 x 8.5 marker and pen on paper piece titled “Pup and Kitty in a Flower Bed, 2023 by Rocco DiCaro.
Image caption: DiCaro, Rocco. Pup and Kitty in a Flower Bed, 2023. Arts of Life, https://artsoflife.org/artwork/pup-and-kitty-in-a-flower-bed/ Accessed 2024.
Their exhibition “Spirit Spirits” at Circle Contemporary Chicago is available from September 27th - November 10th with the opening reception on 9/27 from 5-8 pm.
Donations to Arts of Life can be made here: https://artsoflife.org/donate/
Learn more about Arts of Life here: https://artsoflife.org/
These spaces are just two local opportunities to engage with art and your local community. I highly recommend paying them a visit, discussing the artists’ work with them and purchasing their art either in person or online. Together we can reinforce community art programs and support disabled artists in Chicago!
Bibliography
Arts of Life, 11 Apr. 2024, artsoflife.org.
“Nonprofit Art Studio and Gallery in Chicago.” Project Onward, www.projectonward.org/. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
