Give people with developmental disabilities the power and freedom to creatively express themselves through art, music and performance.
What: The Arts of Life is an organization comprised of artists with and without disabilities who develop a culture of creativity in order to realize their full potential. This summer, they hope to raise $15,000 through their Summer Leap fundraiser to provide members with art supplies and transportation to and from its studios for an entire year.
One generous donor has offered to donate $100 for every contribution made during the month of June to The Arts of Life, no matter how large or small that donation may be. Every single dollar can truly make a difference.
Tax-deductible donations of $500 sponsors an entire year of framing for one artist; $1,200 provides transportation for an artist for one year; and $5,000 sponsors an entire year of art supplies for one studio.
How: Donations can either be sent to the address below, or made online.
Where: 1963 Johns Dr., Glenview, IL, 60025
When: Sunday, June 30 is the last day to receive the $100 addition to your donation.
The organization: Founded in 2000, The Arts of Life began as 12 individuals from various backgrounds who wanted to promote self-respect, artistic expression, independence and a sense of community for artists with developmental disabilities. Since then, the community has grown to more than 60 artists across two studios in Glenview and Chicago. The studio serves as both an alternative day program and creative home for its artists.
“The Arts of Life is special. It’s a fun place to be and it’s safe,” says Mike Marino (pictured above), an artist with the program. Marino, a 9-year veteran of The Arts of Life, has grown from a quiet, reserved individual into a confident, social and supportive leader within the community. “If The Arts of Life wasn’t around, then I would be stuck looking for another job. I’d be beat up, getting my stuff stolen. At The Arts of Life, having my own studio space helps me feel like a professional artist.”
Funded partly by the Department of Human Services, The Arts of Life greatly depends on fundraising efforts and grants to sustain its program. Artists’ work can be viewed in Chicago and the North Shore at several local cafes and businesses, as well as online.
