POP-UP
COMMUNITY ART SHOW

Many Thanks to Anthony Marcellini from PASC for curating the 2024 show!

Opening Reception – November 6, 4:30-6:30pm

Located outside of Governors’ Hall at Grand Traverse Resort

Advancing Creative Communities

An exhibition of artwork from Incompass Michigan member art studio programs.

These studios stretch from Detroit to Lansing to Kalamazoo. Each studio is unique in its philosophy and practice, but they all share a commitment to supporting the production and display of art by artists who face barriers to community access and inclusion. This exhibition presents artwork from six studios, artWorks (MRC Industries), Art from the Heart (Peckham, Inc.), Artisan Corner (Work Skills Corporation), Creative Expressions (Gesher Human Services), Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC) (Services to Enhance Potential), and Goodwill Art Works (Goodwill Industries of Southeast Michigan), as well as an independent artist from Lansing. Each of these programs is displaying selected artworks from artists in their program. But this is by no means the limit of these studios’ output. Most programs have anywhere from 20 participants to 170, so this artwork only represents a small fraction of hundreds of artworks produced in these programs weekly.

Studies have suggested how important the process of making art is to help the body and the brain manage trauma and stress. When individuals regularly participate in art programs we see remarkable changes beyond improved skills as artists, we see greatly reduced anxiety, a greater ability to focus, increased independence, and an improved sense of self-worth. These changes affect these individuals and improve their interactions with others outside of the studio as well.

This exhibit is an opportunity to experience artwork by artists with disabilities or individuals who face other barriers, to meet some of these artists, and to elevate them as creators of culture who provide new perspectives into our collective human experience. We hope with this exhibition to spur the formation of more programs that fill each individual’s desire for creative expression, and increase the number of creative communities that support, celebrate and circulate the production artwork by individuals who face barriers.

Linda Gray

Gesher Human Services – Creative Expressions Program

Artist Bio

My name is Linda Gray. I was born an artist. My dad owned the Detroit Film Lab where my family worked together to film and develop Detroit Lions footage.
Three years after my husband passed away in a tragic car accident, I was blessed to get involved with Gesher Human Services. My eyes were opened to many different art media; from photography to wet felting, sewing, and the culinary arts. I have been able to express my creativity through all the different opportunities Gesher has to offer.
I took up painting for the peace of mind, and painting helped my love for lighthouses come to life. I’m drawn to the light and how it changes from morning to night, creating reflections, highlights and shadows, all from the sunshine and moonlight.

Program Description

The Creative Expressions Program offers education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities to participants of Gesher Human Services. In partnership with community organizations, we provide arts-based classes and activities across the visual, performing, and literary arts. Our programming is guided by the needs and creative aspirations of our participants, evolving every few months to best support their goals.

Program Link

https://www.shopcreativeexpressions.com/

Artwork: Fishing In Morning’s Light

10×8

$60.00

Alt Text: This vibrant painting depicts a solitary fisherman in a small boat on a calm body of water. The sky is ablaze with fiery oranges and reds, suggesting it’s either sunset or sunrise. The fisherman, silhouetted against the bright sky, is casting a line into the water. The surface of the water is rippled, reflecting the colors of the sky. The overall mood of the painting is peaceful and serene.

Kenneth Rosenthal

Gesher Human Services – Creative Expressions Program

Artist Bio

I began taking photos in 2018, inspired by my late mother, an artist and art teacher who influenced my love for creativity. My recent work features flower and plant images with color alterations, chosen at random and developed as the images guide me through the creative process. Despite my mental disability, I have grown as an artist with support from Gesher Human Services and the Creative Expressions Program. Art helps me honor my parents’ memory, and I’ve developed a unique style that continues to evolve as I explore photography professionally.

Program Description

The Creative Expressions Program offers education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities to participants of Gesher Human Services. In partnership with community organizations, we provide arts-based classes and activities across the visual, performing, and literary arts. Our programming is guided by the needs and creative aspirations of our participants, evolving every few months to best support their goals.

Program Link

https://www.shopcreativeexpressions.com/

Artwork: Vibrant Flowers 02

18×24

$180.00

Alt Text: This vibrant image features a close-up of a cluster of bright orange flowers. The petals are large and overlapping, with ruffled edges. The center of each flower is a small, dark spot surrounded by a ring of tiny stamens. The background is a deep blue, creating a striking contrast with the orange flowers. The overall impression is one of energy and vitality.

Jill Robinson

Gesher Human Services – Creative Expressions Program

Artist Bio

My name is Jill Robinson, and I’m a painter who also works with polymer clay, creating wearable art like brooches, necklaces, and magnets. I use a Cricut Die Cutter for craft enhancement and gift cards, and I enjoy photography, especially nature and candid shots. My paintings focus on colorful abstracts, trees, and flowers, bringing me peace that I hope to share with others. I grew up in Alabama and Massachusetts, where I developed my skills. On a farm in Massachusetts, I learned to take and develop black-and-white photos.

Program Description

The Creative Expressions Program offers education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities to participants of Gesher Human Services. In partnership with community organizations, we provide arts-based classes and activities across the visual, performing, and literary arts. Our programming is guided by the needs and creative aspirations of our participants, evolving every few months to best support their goals.

Program Link

https://www.shopcreativeexpressions.com

Artwork: Flowers 01

16×20

$100.00

Alt Text: This colorful painting depicts a group of trees with blooming flowers against a bright sky. The trees are painted with thick, textured strokes of green and brown, with clusters of white blossoms covering their branches. The sky is divided into three horizontal bands: a sunny yellow at the top, a soft pink in the middle, and a calm blue at the bottom. The overall mood of the painting is cheerful and optimistic.

Sharon Glazer

Gesher Human Services – Creative Expressions Program

Artist Bio

I am a versatile artist working with various media, including acrylic paint, embroidery, ceramics, and sculpture, though I prefer using acrylics and embroidery floss. I’ve been creating art since childhood, and I also write plays, poetry, and short fiction, in addition to singing with a music group. My work has been featured at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit and the Northville Art House. I explore themes like nature, mythology, dolls, and wildlife, and I often create vibrant scenes of fairies among butterflies, porcelain dolls in traditional clothing, and colorful birds inspired by the sun’s calmness.

Program Description

The Creative Expressions Program offers education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities to participants of Gesher Human Services. In partnership with community organizations, we provide arts-based classes and activities across the visual, performing, and literary arts. Our programming is guided by the needs and creative aspirations of our participants, evolving every few months to best support their goals.

Program Link

https://www.shopcreativeexpressions.com/

Artwork: Untitled 05

10×8

$60.00

Alt Text: This colorful and imaginative painting depicts a lively scene. A figure with a joyful expression stands in a doorway, overlooking a group of musicians playing various instruments on a stage. The scene is filled with vibrant colors and a sense of movement, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere.

Jamal Robinson

Gesher Human Services – Creative Expressions Program

Artist Bio

Art inspires me because I like painting. I like drawing and painting pictures. Some of the things I like drawing are suns and flowers because I like warm weather. I’ve also drawn dogs inspired by my dog Bo Mac. The dogs were drawn for a book of illustrations I made with friends. I’ve been making art ever since I was a little kid. Now I’m grown and I still love making art. I draw every day.

Program Description

The Creative Expressions Program offers education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities to participants of Gesher Human Services. In partnership with community organizations, we provide arts-based classes and activities across the visual, performing, and literary arts. Our programming is guided by the needs and creative aspirations of our participants, evolving every few months to best support their goals.

Program Link

https://www.shopcreativeexpressions.com/

Artwork: Sunshine and Flowers 05

14×11

$50.00

Alt Text: This simple yet striking drawing features four stylized flowers against a white background. The flowers are drawn with bold, orange lines, creating a sense of energy and movement. They have circular centers and radiating petals, resembling dandelions or other similar flowers. The overall mood of the drawing is cheerful and optimistic.

Jacob Berman

Gesher Human Services – Creative Expressions Program

Artist Bio

I like to paint and draw. These paintings came from my Superman-inspired comic book illustrations. The comic is called Sky-Flyer, and I made it with the help of Gesher Human Services.

Program Description

The Creative Expressions Program offers education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities to participants of Gesher Human Services. In partnership with community organizations, we provide arts-based classes and activities across the visual, performing, and literary arts. Our programming is guided by the needs and creative aspirations of our participants, evolving every few months to best support their goals.

Program Link

https://www.shopcreativeexpressions.com/

Artwork: Sky-Flyer Comic Book Scene 07

11×17

Not for sale

Alt Text: This colorful painting depicts a celestial scene. A large, spherical object, likely a planet, dominates the canvas. The planet is painted in shades of blue, brown, and white, with dark spots scattered across its surface. A smaller, dark object, possibly a moon, orbits the planet. The overall mood of the painting is cosmic and mysterious.

Dorothy Harris Moy

Gesher Human Services – Creative Expressions Program

Artist Bio

My name is Dorothy, and I’ve enjoyed creating art since high school. Art is therapeutic for me, helping me through sickness, pain, or grief. I love nature and the outdoors, and in this exhibition, I’m showcasing plein air paintings inspired by outdoor scenery. Painting in nature is both relaxing and fulfilling. I also create psychedelic abstract paintings using a paint-pouring technique, combining colors on canvas or paper. I press two pours together, forming swirling clouds of color, and then use an etching tool to scratch patterns into the paint, adding intricate details.

Program Description

The Creative Expressions Program offers education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities to participants of Gesher Human Services. In partnership with community organizations, we provide arts-based classes and activities across the visual, performing, and literary arts. Our programming is guided by the needs and creative aspirations of our participants, evolving every few months to best support their goals.

Program Link

https://www.shopcreativeexpressions.com/

Artwork: Psychedelic Abstract 01

11×14 (16×20 framed)

$75.00

Alt Text: This abstract painting is a vibrant explosion of color. It features a chaotic blend of various hues, including reds, oranges, yellows, blues, greens, and purples. The paint is applied in thick, expressive strokes, creating a sense of energy and movement. The overall effect is one of a swirling, chaotic mass of color, with no discernible shapes or objects. The mood of the painting is both exhilarating and overwhelming.

Madison Berry

Gesher Human Services -Creative Expressions Program

Artist Bio

My name is Madison Berry and I was diagnosed with a dual diagnosis of schizophrenia and DID. I paint my alters! They help me to see the world and express myself and my ideals. They also help me with my fears and past trauma. They are not imaginary friends. They are not just coping mechanisms. They are parts of me. They hold pieces of my soul that are special. They think their own thoughts and have their own actions. Feel free to say hello to my alters!
My art is very much an expression of myself. I enjoy using watercolor to give a dreamy effect. I use bold eyes to show each character’s expressions. Each character is not the same. The color scheme is usually matched together with similar colors to the eyes and hair. I also make sure to have them face the audience. I want the audience to see my facets. I wish for the audience to connect with my alters individually. They are all pieces of me.

Program Description

The Creative Expressions Program offers education, enrichment, cultural experiences, and professional arts opportunities to participants of Gesher Human Services. In partnership with community organizations, we provide arts-based classes and activities across the visual, performing, and literary arts. Our programming is guided by the needs and creative aspirations of our participants, evolving every few months to best support their goals.

Program Link

https://www.shopcreativeexpressions.com/

Artwork: Mirror

8×10

$50

Alt Text: This portrait features a young person with vibrant blue hair and striking yellow eyes. Their expression is neutral, with a hint of curiosity. The skin tone is a pale blue, contrasting with the bright hair and eyes. The person is wearing a green shirt. The overall mood of the portrait is calm and contemplative.

Bolivia Scene 03 is a watercolor painting with details done in marker. The colors a light and pastel. They are bright and heavenly. The scene features four ballerina, men and women. They are preparing for a royal performance in the make-believe land of Bolivia. The women are stretching their hands in the air. The men are doing neck stretches and using the pull up bar. The group feels very happy and composed.

Chelsea Gorins

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan

Artist Bio

Chelsea uses her gift of precise drawing to create illustrations of people, places, and things that are highly stylized, colorful, and often influenced by anime. She has been inspired by family and friends to take up art, and now she has many pieces that anyone can appreciate.

Program Description

Goodwill Art Works Program provides a safe, positive and creative art studio that focuses on the individuals’ abilities to express and explore their artistic talents and entrepreneurship through micro-enterprises, exhibiting that art is for everyone.

Program Link

https://www.goodwillsemi.org/services/

Artwork: Melody of Heart

8×10

$25

Alt Text: Acrylic painting of a bird song through a heart into a musical trumpet.

David Montie

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan

Artist Bio

David Montie is the artist behind Stimulant Art. David is one of the longest standing Business owners still selling at the Boutique. David is a very talented artist that has created many pieces of unique art over his time at the boutique. David played an important part in helping pave the way for our future entrepreneurs, in our early years. David still manages to Wow his customers with his creations. David’s two favorite media to work with on his sketches are pencil, and colored pencil.

Program Description

Goodwill ArtWorks Program provides a safe, positive and creative art studio that focuses on the individuals’ abilities to express and explore their artistic talents and entrepreneurship through micro-enterprises, exhibiting that art is for everyone.

Program Link

https://www.goodwillsemi.org/services/

Artwork: Rustic Journey

7×9

$50.00

Alt Text: A pencil sketch of an old red truck driving down a tree lined street.

Guy Smith

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan

Artist Bio

Guys diverse heritage and love of nature inspires his art. Being taught by his grandmother at an early age how to do intricate beadwork and make dream catchers set him on an artistic path. He hopes that through his creations, people learn about history and culture. Guy puts his heart in to everything that he makes, which is clear in each of his designs.

Program Description

Goodwill ArtWorks Program provides a safe, positive and creative art studio that focuses on the individuals’ abilities to express and explore their artistic talents and entrepreneurship through micro-enterprises, exhibiting that art is for everyone.

Program Link

https://www.goodwillsemi.org/services/

Artwork: Feathers of Fall

9 in. circle

$25.00

Alt Text: An image of turkey walking in front of mountains burned into a circular piece of wood, then painted bright colors.

Tracy Huston

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan

Artist Bio

Tracy’s love for Michigan began as a young girl when she took family trips up North. Her art started by painting planting pots and expanded to include canvas, rocks, wood, and much more. Tracy had also published a book called My Favorite Lighthouses in Michigan, inspired by her passion for visiting lighthouses.

Program Description

Goodwill ArtWorks Program provides a safe, positive and creative art studio that focuses on the individuals’ abilities to express and explore their artistic talents and entrepreneurship through micro-enterprises, exhibiting that art is for everyone.

Program Link

https://www.goodwillsemi.org/services/

Artwork: Waves and Watchtower

11×14

$30.00

Alt Text: A cartoon like painting featuring a lighthouse with a stormy lake in front of it.

Shawn Slater

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan

Artist Bio

Shawn is the owner of Posey Pens. Posey Pens offers a wide variety of ink pens that are creatively decorated with silk flowers that reflect the seasons. Posey Pens also includes her recent exploration of “drop” painting as she coins it where she drops, or pours, acrylic paint onto canvas and glassware. Her other craft is hand-wrapped, decorated headbands, using many colors of ribbon and flowers. Shawn has been a part of Art Works since 2011. She continues to work hard towards her goals of selling and creating products, interacting with customers, and running the cash register.

Program Description

Goodwill ArtWorks Program provides a safe, positive and creative art studio that focuses on the individuals’ abilities to express and explore their artistic talents and entrepreneurship through micro-enterprises, exhibiting that art is for everyone.

Program Link

https://www.goodwillsemi.org/services/

Artwork: Purple Dreams

5×7

$15.00

Alt Text: Swirls of shades of purples, blues and some pink in the abstract piece.

Lisa S.

MRC Industries – MRC artWorks

Artist Bio

My name is Lisa. I have been coming to artWorks for about 1 year now. I came to relieve stress and to be around positive people. My goal is to learn more about my creative side. I never even knew I was creative until this program gave me the chance. Being at artWorks makes me smile. This art piece inspired me. Working with thick yarn as my medium was exciting and it brought me peace as I weaved the yarn in and out of the burlap. It is my hope that this artwork brings the viewer a moment of peace as well.

Program Description

MRC artWorks – a program of MRC Industries, Inc. – is a professional working art studio and retail gallery located on the historic Kalamazoo Mall in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. MRC artWorks offers unique and affordable art created by individuals with disabilities. MRC artWorks provides an outlet for our artists to achieve creative self-expression in a way that promotes personal growth, dignity, and self-confidence. We strive to enrich the community with the diversity of art by promoting our artists’ work through a variety of venues and partnerships. All artists receive a commission from the sale of their work, which not only serves as their source of income, but also enhances and reinforces their self-esteem and self-worth. MRC artWorks provides a safe, positive, and creative environment that focuses on the individual’s abilities rather than their disabilities.

MRC Industries serves individuals in Kalamazoo County with developmental or intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, emotional impairments, and mental illness to achieve their fullest potential through employment, workforce development, and active community involvement.

Program Link

https://www.mrcartworks.org/

Artwork: A Moment of Peace

11×14

$60

Alt Text: Gallery wrapped burlap canvas. Embroidered Sunset over the water with thick yarn. The sky is a bright orange, red and yellow. The sun stands against the sky in bright gold. Reflection of the sun shine on the water below in stripes of various shades of blue.

Ravyn C.

MRC Industries – MRC artWorks

Artist Bio

MRC artist Ravyn is a Kalamazoo native that explores color and form in her acrylic paintings. She was MRC’s Artist of the Month in June 2024. Ravyn draws inspiration from the natural world around her. When she’s not creating at artWorks, you can find her hanging out with friends and listening to music.

Artist Statement:
While this was her first time using watercolor and resist, it captures the essence of Ravyn’s work, detailing natural shapes and exploring color. The piece encompasses the feelings of fall, while inviting the viewer to be enveloped in the calm of autumn. Her art is influenced by the world around her, and the only reference she uses is her imagination. The joy she feels when she creates her art is evident in the free-flowing color and spirited shapes.

Program Description

MRC artWorks – a program of MRC Industries, Inc. – is a professional working art studio and retail gallery located on the historic Kalamazoo Mall in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. MRC artWorks offers unique and affordable art created by individuals with disabilities. MRC artWorks provides an outlet for our artists to achieve creative self-expression in a way that promotes personal growth, dignity, and self-confidence. We strive to enrich the community with the diversity of art by promoting our artists’ work through a variety of venues and partnerships. All artists receive a 75% commission from the sale of their work, which not only serves as their source of income, but also enhances and reinforces their self-esteem and self-worth. MRC artWorks provides a safe, positive, and creative environment that focuses on the individual’s abilities rather than their disabilities.

MRC Industries serves individuals in Kalamazoo County with developmental or intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, emotional impairments, and mental illness to achieve their fullest potential through employment, workforce development, and active community involvement.

Program Link

https://www.mrcartworks.org/

Artwork: Flower Field

10×12

$48.00

Alt Text: Water color and resist of muted florals in shades of blue and orange. The resist, once removed leaves a white border around all the flowers layed against a yellow background. This image is framed in a big and bulky black worn vintage frame.

Victoria M.

MRC Industries – MRC artWorks

Artist Bio

Victoria is a multimedia artist. Her primary medium is beadwork, and her love of texture and patterns found her jewelry can be seen in her painting, “Bold Trees”. The white-brushed burlap evokes the first frost that signals winter as autumn takes its leave. The viewer is swept into a crisp morning before the rise of the sun, the bold trees standing against the still backdrop replicating the peace and serenity of a solitary morning. The repeating pattern of colors of the trees remind us that winter is just one part of an entire cycle, another step in the yearly pattern of growth, abundance, harvest and rest.

Program Description

MRC artWorks – a program of MRC Industries, Inc. – is a professional working art studio and retail gallery located on the historic Kalamazoo Mall in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. MRC artWorks offers unique and affordable art created by individuals with disabilities. MRC artWorks provides an outlet for our artists to achieve creative self-expression in a way that promotes personal growth, dignity, and self-confidence. We strive to enrich the community with the diversity of art by promoting our artists’ work through a variety of venues and partnerships. All artists receive a 75% commission from the sale of their work, which not only serves as their source of income, but also enhances and reinforces their self-esteem and self-worth. MRC artWorks provides a safe, positive, and creative environment that focuses on the individual’s abilities rather than their disabilities.

MRC Industries serves individuals in Kalamazoo County with developmental or intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, emotional impairments, and mental illness to achieve their fullest potential through employment, workforce development, and active community involvement.

Program Link

https://www.mrcartworks.org/

Artwork: Bold Trees

15×18

$60.00

Alt Text: Gallery wrapped burlap with a white washed background. 4 tree trunks fill the burlap. Each one painted with a very heavy and multi-layered paint application. Bold, thick stripes in a random pattern of pink, yellow, cream, lavender, orange and brick red.

Glenn L.

MRC Industries – MRC artWorks

Artist Bio

Glenn is a fairly new artist in the artWorks program. He is a multi-talented artist with a primary focus on watercolors. He is intentional with each brushstroke and enjoys spending time with his work of art during the creation process. His “Pitcher of Fun” is like a burst of color waiting to be poured out, just like the sun is ready to brighten your day. This piece was made to show his care and concern for others in the hopes they would have a great day.

Program Description

MRC artWorks – a program of MRC Industries, Inc. – is a professional working art studio and retail gallery located on the historic Kalamazoo Mall in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. MRC artWorks offers unique and affordable art created by individuals with disabilities. MRC artWorks provides an outlet for our artists to achieve creative self-expression in a way that promotes personal growth, dignity, and self-confidence. We strive to enrich the community with the diversity of art by promoting our artists’ work through a variety of venues and partnerships. All artists receive a 75% commission from the sale of their work, which not only serves as their source of income, but also enhances and reinforces their self-esteem and self-worth. MRC artWorks provides a safe, positive, and creative environment that focuses on the individual’s abilities rather than their disabilities.

MRC Industries serves individuals in Kalamazoo County with developmental or intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, emotional impairments, and mental illness to achieve their fullest potential through employment, workforce development, and active community involvement.

Program link

https://www.mrcartworks.org/

Artwork: Pitcher of Fun

12×15

$48.00

Alt Text: Water color portrait of a pinkish red vase with a handle on the right hand side. The vase holds 3 long stem flowers that look like they could be daisies. The flower on the left is yellow, the flower in the middle is blue and the flower on the right is orange. The stems are covered in green leaves. The vase sits on a dark blue ground, like a ledge or a the top of a table. The background is pale, watery blue. The painting is matted in white and has a black frame around it. The art is protected by plexiglass.

TC

Peckham, Inc. – Art from the Heart

Artist Bio

As an artist, I curate these guys to be funny. The need to understand what they are doing in the show: to make people laugh. I take my time on them. I did a lot of work towards them. It is kind of good for me to work towards them, to do stuff like this.

Program Description

At Peckham, we believe that creative expression can be a vital part of an individual’s personal and professional growth. Peckham’s art program, Art from the Heart, exists to offer opportunities for creative experiences to people with disabilities and other barriers.

Art from the Heart is a non-judgmental, supportive environment in which artists have the freedom to pursue their creative practice at their own pace. We believe that making, observing, and engaging with the creative arts can work to grow an individual’s confidence, self-awareness, joy, and community connection.

Art from the Heart advocates for artists with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in the greater art community. We routinely engage with our community to increase awareness of the creative potential of people with disabilities, and to provide our artists with opportunities to exhibit and sell their artwork.

​Art from the Heart is supported by the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation.

Program link

https://www.peckham.org/programs-services/client-services/

Artwork: PJ is the First Puppet

16×20

$75.00

Alt Text: A mixed media puppet. The puppet’s face is made of a paper mask that is painted pink with white patterns. The puppet has long hair that is pulled back with splashes of pink paint in the hair. The puppet has many teeth made of white beads.  Recycled green fabric with a purple dinosaur make up the shirt of the puppet. The puppet is wearing brown gloves and black socks.

Audrey Morofsky

Peckham, Inc. – Art from the Heart

Artist Bio

My name is Audrey, and I like to draw and paint when I have time. I am fairly good at painting and drawing but I have to have reference to go by is my process, without I do not do so well. I enjoy drawing and painting in my free time, and making them for other people as well, thank you for taking the time to admire my drawings.

Sincerely,
Audrey Morofsky

Program Description

At Peckham, we believe that creative expression can be a vital part of an individual’s personal and professional growth. Peckham’s art program, Art from the Heart, exists to offer opportunities for creative experiences to people with disabilities and other barriers.

Art from the Heart is a non-judgmental, supportive program in which artists have the freedom to pursue their creative practice at their own pace. We believe that making, observing, and engaging with the creative arts can work to grow an individual’s confidence, self-awareness, joy, and community connection.

Art from the Heart advocates for artists with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in the greater art community. We routinely engage with our community to increase awareness of the creative potential of people with disabilities, and to provide our artists with opportunities to exhibit and sell their artwork.

​Art from the Heart is supported by the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation.

Program Link

https://www.peckham.org/programs-services/client-services/

Artwork: Motherly Love

11×14

$50.00

Alt Text: Colored pencil drawing of an American Robin perched on the side of a nest with three baby robins inside.

Lisa S.

Peckham, Inc. – Art from the Heart

Artist Bio

I have always been creative and started drawing when I was very little. One of my first memories is asking my mother what was wrong with my people – they were missing necks!

When my children were little, I didn’t make the time for myself, so I created fun cakes and cupcakes for school and Cub Scouts, looking for creative outlets – cupcakes like beaches, truck tires, grilling hotdogs, pirate cakes, aquarium cakes and tiny wedding cakes for school cake walks. I also did lots of projects with my children & for my home. My work was also creative, as I was a kitchen designer.

Once 2020 came around I transitioned from just drawing and doodling to creating wild and bright paintings in acrylics!

When I came to Peckham, I was looking for options to create without pen/pencils/ paint and have come up with quite a few- often using quilling paper, adding paper to previous artworks and creating multimedia creations! Quilling itself is often very precise. I do not enjoy that aspect, so I consider my projects “paper art.”

Now I have an Etsy shop Dew Arts Studio using print on demand companies to create and sell products with my artwork!

Program Description

At Peckham, we believe that creative expression can be a vital part of an individual’s personal and professional growth. Peckham’s art program, Art from the Heart, exists to offer opportunities for creative experiences to people with disabilities and other barriers.

Art from the Heart is a non-judgmental, supportive program in which artists have the freedom to pursue their creative practice at their own pace. We believe that making, observing, and engaging with the creative arts can work to grow an individual’s confidence, self-awareness, joy, and community connection.

Art from the Heart advocates for artists with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in the greater art community. We routinely engage with our community to increase awareness of the creative potential of people with disabilities, and to provide our artists with opportunities to exhibit and sell their artwork.

​Art from the Heart is supported by the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation.

Program Link

https://www.peckham.org/programs-services/client-services/

Artwork: Snorkeling in a Cuban Sea

8.5×8.5

Not for sale

Alt Text: Dimensional paper quilling depicting a snorkeling person wearing a pair of goggles

Zxro

Peckham, Inc. – Art from the Heart

Artist Bio

My name is Brody. I work at Peckham and in my spare time I love to draw and sketch pictures.

Program Description

At Peckham, we believe that creative expression can be a vital part of an individual’s personal and professional growth. Peckham’s art program, Art from the Heart, exists to offer opportunities for creative experiences to people with disabilities and other barriers.

Art from the Heart is a non-judgmental, supportive program in which artists have the freedom to pursue their creative practice at their own pace. We believe that making, observing, and engaging with the creative arts can work to grow an individual’s confidence, self-awareness, joy, and community connection.

Art from the Heart advocates for artists with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in the greater art community. We routinely engage with our community to increase awareness of the creative potential of people with disabilities, and to provide our artists with opportunities to exhibit and sell their artwork.

​Art from the Heart is supported by the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation.

Program Link

https://www.peckham.org/programs-services/client-services/

Artwork: Untitled

8×8

Not for sale

Alt Text: An abstract painting on canvas. The background is textured gray with organic shapes of color on top.

Francine Houston

Peckham, Inc. – Art from the Heart

Artist Bio

She is a multitalented individual who enjoys fashion, graphic/media, writing and poetry. She is an established author of several books: Lupus Journey, Life after Lupus, a poetry book named Strength of a Woman, a self-care guide, an anthology: I Am woman, a professionalism handbook, and another poetry book called Random Thoughts.

Program Description

At Peckham, we believe that creative expression can be a vital part of an individual’s personal and professional growth. Peckham’s art program, Art from the Heart, exists to offer opportunities for creative experiences to people with disabilities and other barriers.

Art from the Heart is a non-judgmental, supportive program in which artists have the freedom to pursue their creative practice at their own pace. We believe that making, observing, and engaging with the creative arts can work to grow an individual’s confidence, self-awareness, joy, and community connection.

Art from the Heart advocates for artists with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in the greater art community. We routinely engage with our community to increase awareness of the creative potential of people with disabilities, and to provide our artists with opportunities to exhibit and sell their artwork.

​Art from the Heart is supported by the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation.

Program Link

https://www.peckham.org/programs-services/client-services/

Artwork: Stay Warm

8×10

$50.00

Alt Text: Oil pastel and pencil drawing of a blue mug of hot chocolate with heart shaped marshmallows. The top of the artwork says “Stay Warm” with a snowflake, written with black pen.

Kylie Kirk

Peckham, Inc. – Art from the Heart

Artist Bio

I am a traditional mixed media illustrator who wants to bring a sprinkling of sunshine to everyone who enjoys color. Sticking to one subject matter is difficult when life has so much to offer, but when I create something I want others to feel the love I put in, no matter the content. I follow what sparks joy in the moment and play with ideas like I do the mediums: always experimenting and enjoying the process.

Program Description

At Peckham, we believe that creative expression can be a vital part of an individual’s personal and professional growth. Peckham’s art program, Art from the Heart, exists to offer opportunities for creative experiences to people with disabilities and other barriers.

Art from the Heart is a non-judgmental, supportive program in which artists have the freedom to pursue their creative practice at their own pace. We believe that making, observing, and engaging with the creative arts can work to grow an individual’s confidence, self-awareness, joy, and community connection.

Art from the Heart advocates for artists with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in the greater art community. We routinely engage with our community to increase awareness of the creative potential of people with disabilities, and to provide our artists with opportunities to exhibit and sell their artwork.

​Art from the Heart is supported by the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation.

Program Link

https://www.peckham.org/programs-services/client-services/

Artwork: Warmth

8×10

Not for sale

Alt Text: Mixed media drawing of a room with bright sunlight coming through the window on the right side of the page. There is a large piece of furniture that is comprised of bookcases and a TV. The room is comprised of warm shades of browns and yellows.

Em Brightstar

Work Skills Corporation – The Artisan Corner

Artist Bio

Hi, I’m Em Brightstar. Brightstar was the name given to me by my Native American Artist grandfather. His passion inspired me to pursue art in my life. My hope is to be as successful and as passionate as he was . Currently I am exploring fiber art as a medium. The Artisan Corner at Work Skills Corporation is helping me develop in my artistic skills and provide an outlet to sell my art.

Program Description

A special place to help be successful in your art.

Program Link

https://www.wskills.com/artisan-corner

Artwork: Moon Series

107×42

$300.00

Alt Text: Moon series is a series of three Cross stitch patterns on pegboard material. The moons are in pastel colors on white backgrounds. The size of the three pieces are 107” x 42“. these pieces might look nice in a babies room.

William Henry Freeman

Artist Bio

William Henry Freeman King was born in Lansing, MI. He began learning about art and welding from a private tutor 5 years ago and has been improving and refining his work ever since. He enjoys expressing himself through the use of color. He also enjoys the physical interaction with taking metal scraps and creating 3-dimentional art. Will experiences the world through the lens of autism. He believes his art can help him connect with people. When not creating art, he enjoys traveling and volunteering at his local Humane Society.

Artwork #1: Metal Flower

9 1/2 by 5 1/4

$50.00 cash or check

Alt Text: Have you ever thought about how much we throw away?  I like to give things a second chance as art.  This piece is an example of that.  Something new blossoming from the old.  However, one could also see it as looking at scrap in a different way.

Artwork #2: Communiqué

22×13

$70.00 cash or check

Alt Text: When I begin a piece, I look at the pieces of metal scrap.  I let them tell me what they want to become.  What they want to be about.  Where they want to go. This piece decided it wanted to be about communication.  The wavy bow reminded me of radio waves and the rectangle and square reminded me of screens.

Artwork # 3 Growing Blade

Size 17 1/2 by 5

$100.00 cash or check

Alt Text: This piece is about new ideas cutting through old ways. Sometimes the paths they take can be strange. They will need support. With the right kind of support, such ideas can grow and be wonderful.

Shawn Jackson

Artist Bio

Shawn Jackson is an artist who works at the PASC Detroit Studio. The subjects of his artworks tend to circulate around popular culture such as classic television shows, pop musicians and classic American movies, which he has an almost encyclopedic memory of. His style is defined by strong linework and an illustrationist or cartoonish approach. His work has been shown at PASC Detroit Gallery (2024), Art Gallery at Westland City Hall, Westland, MI, (2021/23/24); BasBlue, Detroit (2024); Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), Detroit (2023/24); Ford Art Gallery, Wayne County Community College, (2023); Circle Contemporary, Arts of Life, Chicago, IL (2023); PASC at the Belt Gallery, Detroit (2023); Reyes | Finn Gallery, Detroit (2023); Detroit Repertory theatre, Detroit, MI (2022); PASC Detroit Pop Up at The Vella Group, Detroit, (2022); Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery, Detroit (2022); and The Scarab Club, Detroit, (2021).

Program Description

PASC was launched in January 2021 as the first progressive art and design studio, and exhibition program, in Detroit and Wayne County, dedicated to supporting artists with developmental disabilities and mental health differences to advance independent artistic practices and build individual career paths in the art and design fields.

Program Link

https://www.progressiveartstudiocollective.org/

Artwork: Fun in Egypt

18×24

$320

Chantell Donwell

Artist Bio

Chantell Donwell is a Detroit based artist who works out of the PASC Detroit studio. Her art practice is focused on the intricate details of natural subjects such as flowers, anatomy, and symbols. She is a master of colored pencils, which she uses to create smooth planes of color. Chantell has recently been working larger and incorporating watercolor and acrylic with continued attention to detail. Her work has been shown at the PASC Detroit Pop Up Gallery, Detroit, MI (2022); PASC Detroit Gallery (2024); Art Gallery at Westland City Hall, Westland, MI, (2024); BasBlue, Detroit (2024); and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), Detroit (2023/24);

Program Description

PASC was launched in January 2021 as the first progressive art and design studio, and exhibition program, in Detroit and Wayne County, dedicated to supporting artists with developmental disabilities and mental health differences to advance independent artistic practices and build individual career paths in the art and design fields.

Program Link

https://www.progressiveartstudiocollective.org/

Artwork: Self Portrait at PASC Detroit

12×18

$210

Ronald Griggs

Artist Bio

Ronald Griggs is a Detroit-based artist working out of the PASC Detroit studio. Ronald is an accomplished draftsman who took classes in drawing in and around Detroit. He creates very realistic drawings and paintings of people, drawing influences from religious iconography, western European painting, manga, mythology, alongside pop cultural references. Ronald takes these references and forms entirely new mythological and symbiotic creatures sometimes engaging in erotic acts. Ronald has exhibited at PASC Detroit Gallery, Detroit, MI (2024); PASC at BasBlue (2024); MOCAD, Detroit, MI (2023); NIAD Art Center, Richmond, CA (2023); the Detroit Repertory Theatre, Detroit, MI (2022); Art Enables, Washington, DC (2022); PASC Detroit Pop-Up Gallery (2022); The Scarab Club, Detroit (2021); the PASC Southgate Gallery, Southgate, MI (2021); Make Studio, Baltimore (2021); and online exhibitions with PASC (2021). As of 2024, his work has been acquired by the Cranbrook Art Museum for their permanent collection.

Program Description

PASC was launched in January 2021 as the first progressive art and design studio, and exhibition program, in Detroit and Wayne County, dedicated to supporting artists with developmental disabilities and mental health differences to advance independent artistic practices and build individual career paths in the art and design fields.

Program Link

https://www.progressiveartstudiocollective.org/

Artwork: Too Tired

22.5×30.5

$425

Jeremy Taylor

Artist Bio

Jeremy is a Westland based artist working out of the PASC Westland Studio. His artwork has a graphic and graffiti like quality to it. He renders his pieces largely in pencil and marker creating images that reference 1980’s NY subway graffiti, or psychedelic sign painting. Each piece features contrasting colored text and imagery placed side by side in compressed compositions, as if the artist Stuart Davis were drawing hidden picture puzzles for Highlights for Children Magazine. Jeremy has exhibited at, PASC at the Belt Gallery, Detroit (2023); Swords Into Plowshares Gallery, Detroit (2022); PASC Southgate Gallery, Southgate, MI (2021); at The Scarab Club, Detroit (2021).

Program Description

PASC was launched in January 2021 as the first progressive art and design studio, and exhibition program, in Detroit and Wayne County, dedicated to supporting artists with developmental disabilities and mental health differences to advance independent artistic practices and build individual career paths in the art and design fields.

Program Link

https://www.progressiveartstudiocollective.org/

Artwork: Texas Country

22×30

$375

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