What’s the ultimate endorsement that your program is worthwhile and changing lives? For a local organization cleverly named ArtMix, that affirmation came from the White House.
First Lady Michelle Obama recently recognized the Urban Artisans program of ArtMix at the White House for its effectiveness in developing learning and life skills in young people by engaging them in the arts or humanities. The Urban Artisans program helps youth with disabilities gain artistic, vocational and social skills through the arts.
“We were practically dancing on the tables when we got the news,” laughed Linda Wisler, vice president of programs at ArtMix. “It was an incredible honor to represent ArtMix and the Urban Artisans at the White House.”
ArtMix has submitted the program to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities multiple times and for the past four years has been an award finalist. That recognition was empowering, but winning the top prize has given the organization a significant boost.
In an East Room ceremony, Mrs. Obama presented the 2015 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award to the Indianapolis program, one of 12 community-based organizations from across the country chosen — from a pool of more than 285 nominations and 50 finalists from all 50 states — to receive the highest honor awarded to such programs in the U.S.
Meghan McNeal, an intern artist in the Urban Artisans program, accepted the award on behalf of ArtMix.
“When I first heard about Meghan receiving this award, I cried,” said McNeal’s father, Wayne McNeal. “I was the most proud, probably more than I have ever been of her. For me, Meghan did this. No one held her hand to do this. For her to accomplish this on her own, we are amazed.”
ArtMix’s Urban Artisans program supports disabled students ages 16–22 in the transition from school to the workplace. Students learn transferable, pre-vocational skills through making, marketing and selling artwork in a professional artist studio.
“They also learn things like how to be a good team member, how to track inventory, how to respond to a supervisor, how to be on time, things that all employers look for,” said Wisler.
Items created include flower pots, platters, birdbaths, tiles, window displays and ornaments. Students’ final products are sold at ArtMix’s enROUTE Gallery and in other retail shops in Indianapolis. Work is also exhibited every first Friday. Proceeds return to the Urban Artisans program.
During the school year, disabled Urban Artisan students from area high schools such as Broad Ripple, Ben Davis, Southport and Franklin Central, earn a stipend. Participants of all ages and abilities who participate in the Urban Artisans summer program are paid minimum wage.
The Urban Artisans program is so popular, there is currently a waiting list for the summer edition of the program. ArtMix is also seeking additional funding to expand Urban Artisans.
Other ArtMix programs include community classes that allow people of all ages and abilities to interact and express creativity through different art mediums; the Lolly Project that makes art activities accessible to children and their families who are being treated at central Indiana and South Bend-area children’s hospitals; and school-based programs that support and enhance arts in education for pre-K through grade 12 students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
“All creative expression is good, so the focus isn’t on the final product or piece of art. It’s about the experience,” said Wisler.
Gayle Holtman, president and CEO of ArtMix, said the organization serves individuals of all ages and races with disabilities such as physical, cognitive and emotional. They reach about 6,000 people each year through their programs, and more than 70 percent are considered low-income.
Wisler said ArtMix’s programs aren’t designed to be therapeutic, yet staff and teachers notice dramatic changes in their disabled art students, most notably with communication. This warms their hearts because ArtMix firmly believes their classes create opportunities for self-expression and socialization.
“Rolling a ball of clay could be a challenge in the beginning for some. But the more they do it and the more confident they become, the more skill they gain. We let the disability fall away and let the ability shine through,” said Wisler.
ArtMix is formerly known as VSA Indiana, and is a part of VSA, the international organization that champions arts and disability. The local program is housed within the Harrison Center for the Arts.
Holtman said the old name actually hindered growth, therefore when she got the green light this summer from headquarters saying local affiliates could choose their own names, she and her team came up with ArtMix. That along with a major blow to their funding decreased morale, but a rebuilding period along with the award from the White House has given staffers and students a renewed sense of energy.
“It conveys quickly the essence of what we do and who we serve, but doesn’t label them further,” said Holtman. “I’m not surprised that the students can create this kind of art, but I do hope more opportunities open up for this kind of growth.”
For more information on ArtMix, call (317) 974-4123 or visit ArtMixIndiana.org.
