The Arts of Life, Inc.

Arts of Life and our family go WAY BACK: circa Summer 2000.

Our little girl, Lucy, born with Down syndrome, had just celebrated her 2nd birthday. Randomly, we had selected a caterer on Grand Avenue for her party. (Arts of Life was on Grand Avenue then.)

When returning some things to the caterer that sunny July day, I noticed a colorful sign next door: Arts of Life. Being a bold, curious, arts-lover, I rapped on the door to learn more. I was greeted and welcomed in, and that’s when the magic began! I was completely and totally floored to discover that Arts of Life was an organization birthed to nurture an artistic community of individuals with IDD (Intellectual Developmental Disabilities) AND, we just happened to have a two-year-old Lucy, complete with IDD in the form of Ds.

At that time, we had NO IDEA that our daughter was artistic, but that mattered not. We were so inspired by the concept and good work being done for these vulnerable people, that in our own small ways, we supported the studio. At Christmas time, we purchased a large quantity of gift cards. When we handed the check to Denise Fisher, (co-founder and executive director) she said, “With your check, we just made payroll.” It was a very moving moment.

After learning about this incredibly innovative, forward-thinking and creative endeavor, we watched and participated from the sidelines. At the time, with funds being scarce, the artists painted on glass window frames which we began to collect and deliver whenever we found some in alleys. We attended events and introduced family and friends to the studio.
Boy, those Chili-Cookoffs were a blast!

Flash forward 20 years and now it’s clear, that our daughter Lucy is an artist. At 22 yo, after formal public education ended, instead of “falling off the cliff” (as so many individuals with IDD do), Lucy stepped right into adult life as a “Foundation Artist” at Arts of Life.

Arts of Life has provided enrichment of Lucy’s life beyond our wildest imagination, which translates to improved quality of life for our family. Lucy works joyfully at the Chicago studio. She has a circle of like-minded friends, has sold some of her work, has exhibited in several curated shows, and even has sold artwork which hangs in a permanent collection.

What more can anyone ask for their loved one? Lucy is seen. Lucy is heard. Lucy is nurtured, respected and loved.

We can never repay or thank Arts of Life adequately. We thank everyone for supporting this organization in m/any way/s: attending an opening or exhibit, dropping in to say hello, providing resources of time, talent and monetary donations and most importantly, for spreading the word about Arts of Life.

If you want to feed your soul by supporting and/or belonging to an artistic community which provides quality services for people who need then the most, look no further; at Arts of Life, you have come to the right place.

My mom found this place when I was two. She has a friend named Denise who works here. It changed my life when we found this place because it's the program for me. I just want my talent and my art to be out there and be popular or famous.

I got to know Arts of Life after collecting some artwork from their artists, I grew impressed with their efforts to uplift the artists beyond just making, but in assisting them to curate, build professional careers, and help in the operation of the studio. Their model is more than just making, it treats everyone as professional artists and listens to what they want from their time at the studio. I saw this firsthand when I was invited to work with the curatorial team in curating an exhibition. This is among my favorite art spaces in Chicago.

Arts of Life is an incredibly supportive environment. There's much to learn from the artists and everyone else involved in the non-profit— the dedication and passion to their mission are very inspiring to watch. I'm super grateful to have the chance to work alongside everyone!

I enjoy the artwork. I like putting music into my artwork. I like being in the shows and helping out. I've sold a lot of paintings, at least about 44. - Arts of Life Resident Artist

AoL consistently provides a supportive, dignifying, and artist-centered workplace. It is such a pleasure to work with the AoL team on the particulars needed to support the artists who live in the CILA I coordinate; their team is attentive, thoughtful, and invests in the particular creative processes of each artist employed there. It truly feels like a privilege to work with them in all respects.

I think Arts of Life is such an amazing organization. They really create a unique and amazing environment for the artists. I curated a show there in the fall and working with the artist curators and staff was rad. I was lucky to be apart of the community and will continue to do so!

My time with Arts of Life has given me the opportunity to see the importance of community and the impact that art can have on personal growth and bringing people together. Arts of Life gives artists a welcoming space to build their artistic practice and make connections outside the studio during off-site trips. As an interdisciplinary artist and staff member at Arts of Life, being a part of this community has continued to inspire me each and everyday.

Arts of Life is an incredible organization. They care deeply about supporting adults with disabilities in a meaningful arts practice. I adore Arts of Life and hope their work continues on for many many more years.

The Arts of Life is a deeply passionate organization that goes the extra mile to involve itself with Chicago and its many artists. They understand the impact and value of intertwining their artists with the communities around them. Even beyond that, they put on absolutely wonderful shows with their artists and invite prestigious curators and artists on a volunteer basis to put together spectacular events. I am always impressed with the lengths they go to every year to grow + reach further. As an artist, writer, and curator, I absolutely loved the time I spent working with the Arts of Life and love to watch their dreams flourish.

Arts of Life is an incredible resource to artists that hosts dynamic and innovative programming in the Chicagoland area. They are advocates who are compassionate and committed. The staff works hard everyday to ensure that artists are supported with incredible professional opportunities that enhance and build their' careers. As an audience member, they provide remarkable exhibition and opportunities to collect work by artists across disciplines. Arts of life is a welcoming community-centered organization that builds relationships with those that care deeply about the arts and and people with with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Arts of life is an amazing initiative that brings the art community together. I appreciate the respect they have for all the artists involved as well as their professionalism when in collaboration. They highlight incredible talent that needs to be recognized at the local and national level, I feel lucky to have worked with this organization and very excited for that they do next.

I have worked in the IDD field for the last 7 years and have been consistently impressed by the person-centered care at Arts of Life. The way they facilitate difficult conversations with artists -from having artists elect their preference between "artist with a disability" and "disabled artist", to thoughtful and even joyful conversation around how to navigate changing or gender-neutral pronouns- is consistently both honoring of the artists ability and background, as well as demonstrating a deep belief in their growth and care. The artists at Arts of Life consistently have practices based on their interest and art style- not therapy, but a true art practice- and their agency is supported at every level, again from how they are spoken about, but also where they want their practice to be in a few years, and even voting on who may join the studio.

As if this weren't itself a feat, the art produced at Arts of Life is really phenomenal. In not using a heavy hand or guiding artists to chase what is initially palatable or conventional, the studio consistently produces art with a clear voice and idiosyncratic style, still influenced both by contemporary and historic artists they learn about at Arts of Life, and other artists at the studio. I have many pieces from Arts of Life at my home, and while (like most art) not every artist will speak to every person, friends also pretty regularly find an artist's work here that sparks an interest and appreciation for "outsider art" as a field and the incredible work here.

I could not more highly recommend this studio both as a service provider, and as an art studio for those interested in collecting or showing art.

Arts of Life is a truly collaborative environment which values its employee self care as much as care for the artists under their care. They are true pioneers in the progressive studio arts movement, balancing ADL care in a social services setting with building autonomy and independence through rigorous career goal setting and implementation. Their level of care is unprecedented in any setting I have seen in my nearly 2 decades working as a service professional.

I had a great experience collaborating with an Arts of Life artist on a songwriting project for their annual Studio Sale event. The value Arts of Life provides in lifting up their artists' work and treating it with respect and care is immeasurable.

I first came across Arts of Life over 15 years ago as a recent grad from DePaul University. As a student I had become interested in how I might serve my community through making art and collaborating with people from a range of backgrounds. When I stumbled upon a listing from Arts of Life soliciting volunteers with an artists with an interest in disability advocacy I became fascinated with artists working in broader contexts beyond the "contemporary" art that I had learned about as a student. I began volunteering volunteering at Arts of Life in 2005 helping to archive the amazing work being produced at the studio. The organization was small then, 3 staff supporting about 10 artists. The model of the program was different than anything I'd ever seen. People treated each other as equals through an entirely democratic process that involved everyone who attended the studio. And and it was palpable that the work happening there was the definition of progressive. The artists who attend the program not only get a space, supplies and support to further their practice; the choices and invitation to participate in a real community of other artists affects major shifts in an individuals self-advocacy and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. After all these years, as a continued supporter of Arts of Life, the mission of the organization has only expanded, however its core principles of respect and community continue to flourish. Its an amazing place to volunteer and connect with an exciting group of artists and the art community of Chicago.

The Arts of Life is an incredible place. Several of the adults with disabilities that I work with in my organization are artists at Arts of Life and attend the studio during the week, and the empowerment, creativity, skills-building, joy, and sense of community that you'll find at Arts of Life is unmatched. The staff shows great care and dedication to what they do, and the art that comes out of the studio is stunning - I have several pieces hanging in my apartment! The art community and city of Chicago are infinitely better because of what Arts of Life is and does.

I first discovered Arts of Life at EXPO, the international contemporary and modern art exhibition held each year in Chicago. I purchased a work that hangs in our living room and is one of my most cherished pieces. I’ve since had the opportunity to visit the Chicago studio and meet some of the talented artists who work there. Places like this enrich our broader community and must be supported, especially as our government continues to deprioritize progressive independent programs. I’m a proud supporter of Arts of Life and am excited for the future of this special organization.

I volunteered at Arts of Life as part of a grad school project. And without a doubt it is one of the greatest places I’ve ever had the fortune of working with. The artists are amazing, the staff is fantastic, the vibe is immaculate. The work they do is essential. Cannot possibly recommend this place enough.

I volunteered on the board for Arts Of Life for 6 years and got to see how truly wonderful they are from the back end. The staff here give their time tirelessly to make sure the artists get the supplies they need and the opportunities to grow within the art community. There isn’t an organization much better in all of Chicago! They are a true grassroots organization.

Arts of Life is truly a unique gift. I have been volunteering there for several years and look forward to continuing for many more.
It is a vibrant and dynamic resource for dozens of Chicago-area artists challenged by bravely living with a range of developmental and physical disabilities. These working artists are a tight-knit community of friends, mentors, and learners who practice professionalism and respect for one another while producing a prolific amount of visual and performing art projects.
This wonderful collaboration is made possible by a dedicated, talented, empathic, knowledgable staff--all of whom make the artists' experience fun and educational--imparting not only art-making skills but important life skills as well. I am particularly impressed by their compassion and ability to adapt to each individual's particular needs, which vary widely.
I am consistently inspired and awed by the artists' enthusiasm, pride, good humor, and sense of ownership for their own work and the organization as a whole. My time in the studio is always the highlight of my week.
Arts of Life hits that sweet spot, providing a valuable program for an underserved population while contributing to the larger community with magnificent artwork and regular events open to the public. Kudos to everyone involved!

Arts of Life has been a lifeline for our adult disabled son who is an artist. Although we all tire of Covid restrictions and precautions and start to let our guard down, the staff and volunteers at the studio continue to be vigilant without ceasing. This is a testament to their untiring caring and commitment to provide a safe work environment for the artists in which to be creative and productive. We are grateful , thankful and blessed to have Arts of Life.

My daughter has been an artist at The Arts of Life, Inc. for 5 years. She has grown in soo many ways: socially, artistically, creatively. The studio and staff have helped foster her growth as a person and an artist by providing an environment that respects individuality and diversity. The programming is committed to excellence and it shows!!!! I can't imagine where she/we would be if she had not been a part of this wonderful organization.

I volunteer at Arts of Life and see the amazing work of both the staff and the community members. This very important NFP plays a vital role in providing a safe space for its artist to flourish. Many peoples lives would be empty without Arts of Life.

Arts of Life is a studio for artists with disabilities, where participants are treated with respect and their talents and abilities are encouraged and supported. Every day I am grateful that my son is part of such wonderful community of caring staff and friends.

The Arts of Life is an incredible community that I feel very fortunate to be a part of. It provides much needed resources to an underserved population and increases the accessibility of art. Art is an incredible tool for expression and communication that should be accessible to everyone. This organization works hard to make this field more equitable. I've felt incredible gratitude for everyone in this community that is so consistently encouraging, uplifting, and committed to helping one another.

My brother is a working artist at the Arts of Life. He loves going to work and creating artwork with like minded people. He has grown so much as an individual and as an artist because of the great staff and program!

Arts of Life is a wonderful, intentional community that walks the walk. It's a space where artists with disabilities really are provided with every possible opportunity for leadership and self-determination. I'm so happy to be a part of a community where everyone is valued and accepted as they are.

This is more than an organization -- it's a community. Important mission, dedicated staff, respected artists. Read the stories from client family members and volunteers. Peoples lives are being changed for the better. I know that my life has been!

Our son has participated in Arts of LIfe for 7 plus years. It has increased his confidence in himself. The studio is fun, creative and a great forum for positive change in the world. He loves being an artist and has been recognized through awards from outside organizations and he has sold numerous paintings with the proceeds supporting the organization. I cannot say enough good things about the place and the staff. It has life changing for our son and for us as a family. I do not know what we do without Arts of Life.

Bringing the gift of the arts to artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities is unique, challenging and wonderful. We are avid supporters of the cause and this organization and have been so impressed with the hard work of the staff and volunteers making a difference in the lives of others who love the arts. If you believe that everyone should have the opportunity to share their special gift, this is an organization that deserves your support!

Arts of Life is a progressive art studio that walks the walk and doesn't just talk the talk! This organization lives its values of promoting self-respect, independence and artistic expression for all. I have grown so much by being involved in this organization and I am excited to see Arts of Life grow as well! I am so grateful that this community exists.

SO happy to be a part of this community. I love Arts of Life!

Every member of the community has self-fulfillment goals they are continually working towards. The program is geared towards making sure participants are always making steps towards being their best self!

I worked here several years and had never been at a place like it before or since!

The Arts of Life is a great place to volunteer. I was able to do volunteer work that leveraged my professional skills and contribute to meaningful projects. I greatly respect the work that they do in providing professional opportunities to artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enabling them to do meaningful work and contribute to the broader community. It's a very necessary organization.

Arts of Life is a leading example of what a progressive studio and equitable artistic community can be. They are constantly innovating to provide the artists with more stake in the organization, more leadership opportunity, and more exposure in the broader art community. Supporting Arts of Life with time, finances, or resources directly contributes to bringing about a more equitable and exciting world in the arts and opportunities at large for individuals with disabilities.

I volunteered at Arts of Life for just over a year, and I can't wait until I come back! The artists and staff are some of the best people I have ever met and had the pleasure to work alongside. Despite the COIVD-19 pandemic, the folks at Arts of Life remained positive and had a great outlook on how to work around social distancing and support those who needed to participate in an online setting. My position included managing virtual programming one day a week starting in 2020, which included some art directives to warm up the artists working in the studio and at home as well as discussions about current artwork. In addition to these responsibilities, I had the pleasure of working 1 on 1 with a few artists to work on their individual art practice. The interactions with staff were always warm and supportive and the artists, themselves, were what made volunteering so special and so meaningful. I feel really lucky to have spent time working in such an amazing environment!

Serving on the Associate Board has been an incredible experience. Learning about the incredible work these artists create and do and the profound impact this organization has had on their lives has been nothing short of life-changing.

The Arts of Life is a wonderful organization that brings great opportunities for development to the community they serve and their families. It also brings a whole new life experience for the staff and volunteering that really creates a positive impact in your life.
I love their enthusiasm, passion and professionalism in everything they do. The art work they produce has a noble purpose essence in life which is full of color and texture with a deep personal mark printed by each one of the artist.
We love The Arts of Life for their comitment and for what they brought to our lives.

The Arts of Life is a Chicagoland treasure! They are a one-of-a-kind community that advocates for and provides services to artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arts of Life's artist are truly gifted and create the most unique and collectible art around. Every dollar truly makes a difference for this nonprofit and I will continue to go to Arts of Life events and support this organization however I can.

I've been working with Arts of Life for 4 years and I can say this organization is KEY for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This organization helps to create leadership skills allowing the artist to grow professionally and independently. I've never been a part of such an amazing community as this one and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had here as an artist mentor and intern.

The Arts of Life is changing the lives of more than 60 adult artists with disabilities -- it has been truly an honor to work with this group of incredible and dedicated people.

EVERYONE should know about this organization. Arts of Life is one of the only non-profits that allows adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a space to create art while strengthen their leadership skills. With the help of the organization, the artist's are given opportunities to showcase their work at places like Groupon HQ, Chicago Cultural Center, and Renegade Craft Fair. There's so much to love about Arts of Life, and more people should come and support. Plus, the art is AMAZING and the artist's are fun to hang out with.

I was an intern at Arts of Life in the Fall of 2018 and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did they help me expand my writing and editing skill set, but I learned so much valuable information about the non-profit world, as well as the art world. The services and opportunities they provide for the artists that are patrons of Arts of Life are truly one of a kind and quite outstanding- and every one of the artists that I met had a passion for both Arts of Life and the work that they got to do there. Truly a 10/10 organization, although I can only rate it five out of five stars. I encourage any and everybody to look into this organization, volunteer, and donate as this is an organization that is so beneficial and helpful to artists with developmental disabilities and to their families.

For 20 years The Arts of Life has been assisting in empowering disabled adults achieve their dreams through the arts. The Arts of Life enables these wonderful people and their talents to be valued in our society. The joy and pride expressed by the artists and their achievements makes our world a better place.

This is an organization that truly makes a difference. Not only does the Arts of Life support its artist, they also empower them.The mission of Arts of Life is to employ and support artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These artists are provided with a working space, community, mentors and a professional gallery to exhibit the artists' works. This a truly amazing organization and I am proud and truly fortunate to be part of it.

This community is so near and dear to my heart. Seeing the development of so many amazing artists is spellbounding. I've been involved with the studio since 2003. It's a long-standing creative space for the differently abled. I feel so honored to call these artists part of my greater arts community.

I cannot say enough good things about Arts of Life. It is a tremendous organization, one that has been transformational in the life of my cousin and many others. I’m so grateful for their amazing work.

A family member chose to attend the Arts of Life North Shore Studio several years ago. Arts of Life has allowed his creative energy to find focus, purpose and success. He has exhibited and sold paintings, been involved in many artist-developed creative efforts including poetry, drama and music. The artists are supported and facilitated by the consistently fine staff and volunteers to let their talents rise and their voices be heard. I am always looking forward to the next event, exhibit, and opportunity created by and for the artists at Arts of Life.

Arts of Life is a wonderful place where artists with disabilities can create art and feel whole.

The Arts of Life gives individuals with disabilities opportunities for self expression and recognition of their artistic abilities that are often not readily available to them. We are impressed by the studios’ dedication to sharing the work of these "unseen" artists with the wider community through public art projects, gallery showings, partnerships, and a strong social media presence. The Arts of Life stands apart from other organizations for people with disabilities because it is committed to enriching theirs lives by facilitating their art-making as well as making them known. The Arts of Life is a creative and inspiring community where our son flourishes both as an individual and an artist.

Arts of Life is an amazing place. It offers such a great opportunity for each individual to express themselves. And it works because of the people who work there. They care and really want to help each person to realize their ability to create. They are committed to helping each person learn to work together, help one another and support each other.

I have worked at at Arts of Life North Shore as a painter-musician for over 5 years and it is still one of the greatest places on earth to work. We work independently of each other but as a community, too. We have many positive chances to make the studio what we want it to be, and make it better. It is a fun place with great music, poetry, drama, exhibits, art talks. You name it, we do it! Check out VanGoGo, our band, on iTunes!

What an amazing program and so well run. The artists in this program - each individuals with divergent abilities - accomplish things that no other program provides. It brings out skills and talent and intelligence overlooked by more traditional programs. The staff is devoted. And the environment accepting.

Our daughter, Becky, started attending Arts of Life in 2012. On our initial visit to Arts of Life in Glenview, we were thrilled with the commitment of the staff and their passion for guiding Arts of Life participants in the process of bringing their own concepts to each piece of their art. A treasured photo of Becky welcoming her first niece to our family was beautifully portrayed in her painting, capturing her pride in her new role as an Aunt. Becky not only enjoys the art projects. She has made many wonderful friends at the Arts of Life studio. Every participant has a vested interest in making the Arts of Life experience what they want it to be. The participants' input is respected, and considered as the staff plans future events and field trips. Becky truly feels she is an integral part of the Arts of Life community. She has blossomed artistically and socially. We are grateful we found the Arts of Life program and look forward to many, many years of fun and friendship at A of L! We are the proud parents of artist, Becky, and we happily support this wonderful organization. -- Rudy & Debbie

This is an incredible community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are respectful of each person and of the group in community, making decisions together,sharing their lives, their art and music in a most creative way and apply skills to activities of daily living.
My son attends the program and has made great gains and eagerly looks forward to participating. He also plays in their band, Van Go Go and has made many friends and really feels a positive connection to the leaders who are fellow artists doing their work together and sharing their lives. As a parent I couldn't think of a better place for my son!

I've volunteered for The Arts of Life for over 4 years and am so grateful I found it. The community is caring, respectful, vibrant, creative and open. I have never experienced anything like it. The artists have autonomy and are integrally involved in how their artistic practices are structured and the studio is run. I always leave with a smile on my face and a gratitude that I get to be a part of such an amazing place.

I never quite realized or appreciated that organizations like The Arts of Life existed to serve such a wonderful, talented, and (unfortunately) underserved population. After volunteering, I now know how important tAoL is, how committed and caring the staff is, and how the community it embodies is so instrumental in providing the artists an opportunity for personal expression, building self-assurance and developing mutual respect. It's a privilege to support their mission.

I volunteer once a week at Arts of Life . Great Art ! Affordable Prices ! Great talent !

I've volunteered off and on at the Arts of Life for three years. I keep coming back because it is one of the most radically accepting and welcoming places I've ever been to. I love the amount of acceptance and independence given to the artists, really embracing people at all different levels and stages of life and helping them succeed in the way that's best for them. All the staff are truly caring and friendly.

Arts of Life is a unique and wonderful organization, and I can't recommend highly enough!

The Arts of Life is an organization for artists with disabilities can make their own kind of art in a studio The studios are run by the community of artists. The staff are aides to the artists learning new skills for an example giving ideas how to do art talks. The studio have great artists with talents. The art of Life is a awesome place work as a disability artist.

My son began attending the Arts of Life five years ago and we continue to be impressed by and delighted with this organization. They have boundless creativity that shows itself in their daily activities, their outreach and their fundraising. The staff members are tremendous and, most importantly, they respect and build the dignity of their artists. Everything that happens here is about the artists and they are included from inception through execution.
I believe in the Arts of Life and last year I became Board President so that I could help continue and build the impact of this most excellent organization.

Nothing but great things to say. With a driven and passionate staff, Arts of Life continues to exceed my expectations. Experiences at the studio are intriguing, meaningful and impactful. Working with a variety of individuals with a variety of mediums is great for volunteers because everyone can find something they enjoy! Arts of Life also allows volunteers to take on more responsibility if they wish and hosts numerous events that are exciting and always for a great cause.

years ago my wife and i stumbled into the Chili Cook-Off event to support our friends that had volunteered their recipe. we had minimal idea what the event entailed but figured a couple bucks for unlimited chili and a couple beers, why not!?

we absolutely fell in love with The Arts of Life that night! the camaraderie between the artists and volunteers and spectators and workers and family members and everyone else around blew us away. we knew then that it was something we wanted to get behind.

fast forward 5+ years and we've been to as many events as we can possibly make it to, my wife has joined the Executive Board, and we are in our 4th year of raising money through an event at the gym that we own.

The Arts of Life is a wonderful organization and means the world to a lot of people.

Arts of Life treats adults with disabilities with the respect they deserve, enhancing their self-worth and empowering their decision-making. All in a nurturing environment that inspires creativity and individual growth.

I have been associated with The Arts of Life for the past three years now. As a member of the Executive Board, I have seen the difference and impact this organization has made to the lives of several deserving artists with and without disabilities. Not only are they helping these artists groom and become independent, they are also helping them get noticed in the arts community through their far reaching initiatives. The Arts of Life is powered by great talent, dedicated and warm staff, and highly supportive volunteer community. They have witnessed consistent growth and change in the way they are achieving their mission.

About 5 years ago, I was lucky enough to find myself at the annual Chili Cook Off - a heart and soul (and belly) warming charity event hosted by a very special organization, The Arts of Life. They’re a Chicago area organization focused on adult artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After just this one event, I immediately fell in love. As I learned more about their mission and their truly innovative approach to creating vocational opportunities for their artists, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I currently serve on the Executive Board, and fall deeper and deeper in love with the staff, artists, volunteers, and community every day. There's something about the feeling you get when you walk into their studio, that you just can't put into words. I couldn't speak more highly of this organization!