Note: Organizations can import an entire calendar and any new events the organization adds to its calendar will then appear on this site. To import your calendar:Create an Org right here on this page. Remember to add appropriate tags!Import a calendar and use the dropdown to associate it with the organization you createdNameWebsiteDescription <p><strong>Who We Are</strong></p> <p>Arts of Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in January 2000, with a shared vision: to create a person-centric, working artistic community and provide a work environment of equality and inclusion in Chicago.</p> <p>Started by founding artist Veronica Cuculich and two co-directors, Arts of Life was created into the organization it is today with 9 individuals with developmental disabilities. Our shared vision grew from a passion for artistic expression and a need for an alternative system.</p> <p>For artists at Arts of Life, a career in the visual arts is an opportunity for meaningful employment. Each artist has their own studio space and works independently from individualized project plans or receives 1:1 visual arts facilitation to increase their artistic skill set. Artists earn a monthly stipend for participation in the program with eligibility to receive bonuses based on personal annual art sales.</p> <p>Today, we have three professional art studios and represent over 60 artists with varying levels of physical and intellectual disabilities. Each studio is 6,000 square feet and includes a community gallery that is open to the public.</p> <p><strong>Our Mission</strong></p> <p>Arts of Life advances the creative arts community by providing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership.</p> <p><strong>Our Values</strong></p> <p>Inspiring Artistic Expression: The Arts of Life model supports creative decision-making and experimentation, creating a safe place to take risks while promoting self-confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving.</p> <p>Building Community: Arts of Life is a collective of professional artists built upon a foundation of collaborative decision-making and mutual respect.</p> <p>Promoting Self-Respect: Everyone at Arts of Life has both strengths and weaknesses. Within the community, we are fully accepted and encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves.</p> <p>Developing Independence: Our community members gain a sense of inner freedom through their creative practice and professional development, enabling us all to trust our own judgment and take personal and artistic risks.</p> Organization locationContact nameContact form urlContact emailContact phoneInstagramFacebookTagsAdd applicable events tags. Start typing to see options to select. You can enter custom text and hit the + to lock it in.Cancel