Marking Milestones and Making Art Accessible for Every Ability

Three years ago, Art For All officially launched as a nonprofit with a singular vision: to empower adult artists with developmental disabilities and cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community through the transformative power of art. While our roots reach deeper—serving and uplifting artists with disabilities since 2017—our third anniversary as a nonprofit is a moment to reflect, celebrate our collective achievements, and look forward with renewed purpose.

Our Journey: From Inspiration to Incubation

Art For All’s story began with a simple yet powerful idea: art is a universal language, and everyone deserves the opportunity to create, express, and connect through it. Since 2017, we have fostered a safe and affirming space for adult artists with disabilities in the greater Seattle area. Our transformation into an official nonprofit in 2022 was more than a milestone; it was a commitment—one that recognized the unique needs of our community and promised to bridge gaps in access, inclusion, and wellness.

As the only known nonprofit in the region with a dedicated focus on art and wellness for individuals with developmental disabilities, Art For All fills a critical gap. We are unwavering in our dedication to bridging connections, celebrating diversity, and breaking down barriers to participation.

Art For All: What Sets Us Apart

At the core of our mission is accessibility. Art For All offers all programs either for free or at a substantial discount compared to similar offerings in the area. We believe financial limitations should never stand in the way of creative expression or personal growth. Every brushstroke, every friendship forged, every story told within our programs is a testament to that belief.

Our commitment extends beyond affordability. We curate a rich tapestry of weekly and monthly art and wellness programs, carefully designed to engage individuals of all abilities. Each session is a chance to learn, collaborate, and, most importantly, to shine. Whether it’s painting, music, movement, or theatre, Art For All draws on a wide range of disciplines to ensure there’s something for everyone.

A Year of Accomplishments and Community Impact

This past year has been especially momentous, marked by achievements that have amplified our impact and expanded our reach.

Hazel Miller Foundation Grant: We are incredibly proud to have received support from the Hazel Miller Foundation, enabling us to offer our Graphite Community Collaboration project at no cost. This initiative brings artists together in a spirit of creativity and connection, reinforcing our core values.
4Culture of King County Operating Grant: Securing a three-year operating grant from 4Culture of King County has provided vital stability and allowed us to plan for the future with confidence, expanding opportunities for more participants.
Introducing REC 192: This new class series has quickly become a favorite. Combining a social lunch and visit hour with a creative club exploring various artistic outlets, REC 192 exemplifies our commitment to holistic engagement—where friendships thrive alongside creative exploration.
Holiday Market and Festival Participation: Our booth at the Holiday Market at The Lodge at St. Edwards Park, and our ongoing presence at the Edmonds Art Festival (including this past Father's Day), have helped us showcase our artists’ talents and connect with the community.
Gallery and Exhibit Features: From a summer feature in the Edmonds Arts Festival Gallery to a collaborative gallery time at Schack Art Gallery in Everett with All Aboard, our artists have taken center stage. Participation in local art walks—including Edmonds Art Walk and Phinneywood Neighborhood Art Walk—has further widened our circle of champions and supporters.

Beyond these public-facing events, Art For All remains dedicated to innovative programming that addresses the evolving needs of our community. Our annual theatre performance continues to be a highlight—an inspiring showcase of talent, teamwork, and the boundless power of creativity.

Innovating for Inclusion: TimeSlips and Wellness

Art For All’s commitment to wellness is perhaps best embodied in our TimeSlips classes. Designed especially to support aging and dementia, these sessions use improvisational storytelling to engage individuals, particularly those experiencing memory loss, in meaningful creative expression. TimeSlips offers more than an artistic outlet; it fosters connection, reduces isolation, and brings joy to participants and their loved ones. The laughter, stories, and moments of discovery that unfold in these sessions underscore the profound impact of creativity on well-being.

Building Bridges: Connection through Creativity

Art For All is more than a collection of classes or a series of events, it is a community. Each workshop, exhibit, and performance is built upon relationships: between artists, instructors, families, and the wider world. We take immense pride in our role as a connector, facilitating new friendships, nurturing confidence, and championing the talents of artists who are too often overlooked.

By participating in festivals, museums, and galleries, we don’t just elevate our artists, we invite the broader community to reimagine what art can be and who it is for. Every public display of our work is a step towards a more inclusive, empathetic, and vibrant world.

Looking Forward: Dreams for the Future

As we mark three years as a nonprofit, we do so with gratitude for our supporters, funders, volunteers, and, most of all, our artists. Their creativity, courage, and joy are the heart of Art For All. We are inspired every day by their stories and their art, and we remain committed to empowering them with even more opportunities in the years to come.

Looking ahead, we dream of expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to innovate. We hope to launch new initiatives, forge new partnerships, and ensure that no artist is left behind.

Join Us: The Canvas Awaits

Art For All’s journey is just beginning. The brushstrokes of the past three years have laid a bold and beautiful foundation, but the canvas is far from full. We invite you—whether as an artist, supporter, or friend—to join us as we continue making art accessible, joyful, and transformative for all.

Together, we can build a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is celebrated for their creativity and embraced by community. Here’s to three years of Art For All, may the colors only grow brighter from here.

Celebrating Three Years of Art For All: Creativity, Connection, and Community