Have you heard of NIAD? I just learned about them this past June when I was in San Francisco, and I was instantly in love. Here’s the description from their site:
NIAD Art Center’s visual art program promotes meaningful independent living by artists with disabilities—while its artists create remarkable contemporary art. In a unique open studio environment, and with the guidance of qualified staff, NIAD artists acquire new skills in artistic practice and in independent living. {located in Richmond California, Bay Area}
So exciting and inspiring! When they asked if I’d put together an online exhibit during the first week of October, obviously I jumped at the chance. My collection is titled “I Heart Art”, because I do, and isn’t that what it’s really all about? The images above are just a handful of the pieces in the show, and one of the works has already sold… because I bought it! Yes, the lovely lady at the top of the post is a piece by Jonathan Velazquez and it’s currently hanging in my living room. Get over there and buy a very affordable piece from one of these amazing artists… like this one, titled “David Bowie and His Cat”, by Ann Meade…
{Artists shown above: Jonathan Velazquez, Sarah Malpass, Carlos Fernandez, Phyllis Carr, Jeremy Burleson, Mimi Englin, Adonia Douglas, Sarah Malpass – again!, Ann Meade}

There is another studio like this in the Mission in SF…
oh, so great!
Fantastic art! Fantastic people!