This is a very good, kind-hearted organization with which I (and another family member) has been involved as donors/patrons. And, these folks who run, and are served by, the nonprofit are real, very good artists! Well worth your money & time. Thank you.
One can't help but feel so positive when you're in the studio space. The artists are here working and doing what they love for because they have the talent and patience to express themselves through their artwork. The work on their artwork because they have fun, enjoy the recognition, and the money when someone buys their work. It's infective.
I stumbled upon Art Enables one day and have been hooked ever since. There is nothing more satisfying than buying and hanging original art and they not only have some of the best in town, it's also affordable! And to further put icing on the cake, the artists' dedication to their calling is a joy to witness. They are all so proud of what they create that it makes me proud to buy, volunteer and donate money to such a worthy cause.
I am a professional artist. Ten years ago, my studio was in an old school building in Washington, DC. Every day, on my way to my second floor space, I passed a large classroom that was a constant hive of activity, full of people making art. Most days, I peered in at the art on the walls, lively with color and joy, and it never failed to put a smile on my face. One day, a woman came to the door and invited me in; that was my introduction to Art Enables, a program that enables mentally-disabled artists to create artwork and reach an audience by providing studio space, art supplies, framing, a gallery and website and exhibition opportunities at venues around the DC region and beyond. Art Enables is an entrepreneurial program; the commissions our artists receive from their sales gives them a concrete recognition of professionalism and achievement. In many cases, loved ones or caretakers have told Art Enables that that the ability to make and show their work has changed the lives of the artists - in at least one case, a man who rarely spoke at all now tells his family about each day's activity, which is a joy to them. The art our artists make is honest and moving; it speaks for itself. Art Enables does a great deal of good with a little bit of money - in my view, it is surely a great nonprofit.