Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Cauley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Anne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Arts of Life opened in 2000 on Chicago’s near west side by three founding members – a 70-year-old woman with an intellectual disability and a mental illness, a self-taught, unconventional artist, and a professional in the field of developmental disabilities. They shared a vision to create a working, person-centric artistic community that provided a work environment centered on equality. Our four core values are: Inspiring Artistic Expression, Building Community, Promoting Self-Respect, and Developing Independence.
Arts of Life became the first organization in the city to focus on artistic vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities. The program model has developed over time through the collaboration of the artists. Each member takes ownership of the space and has an equal voice in the decision making process.
Today, we manage two studios and galleries – in Chicago and Glenview and support 60 professional artists.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Most individuals with disabilities rely on federally funded programs to live and work in their respective communities. However, government resources available to Illinois residents with disabilities are astoundingly scarce compared to resources provided by other state governments. In the 2013 State of the States annual report, Illinois was ranked 50th of all 50 states in services and support for Americans with disabilities. Most day programs available to disabled Illinois residents don’t allow for choice of field or professional development opportunities. As a result, many individuals with disabilities do light labor or other menial work—such as assembly work in factory-like sheltered workshops—and they are paid a fraction of a cent for every task they complete (NHPR, 2015).
Arts of Life works to change society’s misconceptions regarding individuals with disabilities by showcasing their abilities through the exhibition and sale of their artwork and craft, providing the invaluable opportunity for those without disabilities to engage with their unseen community members. Art studios for artists with disabilities give the artist the opportunity to be recognized for their abilities in a wider professional arts community (VSA, 2004). For those marginalized by disability, we provide the rare opportunity to find meaningful employment in a professional studio culture where each artist has a voice.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Arts of Life story. Tell us more about the business.
The Arts of Life studio was founded on the idea that the space belongs to the artists. The employees, board members, interns, and volunteers are available to assist artists with the decisions that they make, both collectively and as individuals. We use a collective decision-making process in the studio and give everyone an opportunity to define, shape and belong to an artistic community. We embrace the idea that our community changes based on the growing needs of the artists, their space, and the surrounding communities in which they are involved.
We have defined ourselves further as an artists’ community. While we are together, we are part of a community whose primary purpose is to encourage creativity. It is important to continue to be as inclusive as possible while still sharing creative passion as our strongest common thread.
For many of our studio artists, their work at The Arts of Life is the first opportunity they have to become a self-directed member of a positive, supportive community. The Arts of Life studio environment is designed to promote equal ownership for each member which naturally encourages the artists to develop their sense of independence. Each artist is afforded choice in artistic medium, goals, and daily studio activities. Facilitators help the artists’ develop and refine their unique skillsets to allow them to take ownership over their part in studio management, including public relations, human resources, and studio maintenance. Finally, there are no mistakes in art making. Each artistic decision creates a new opportunity for self-discovery, self- confidence, critical thinking and creative problem solving.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2010 W Carroll Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612 - Website: www.artsoflife.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_arts_of_life/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsoflife/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/artsoflife
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