My Nonprofit Reviews

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.