In early January 2000, Arts of Life opened its doors, guided by a progressive vision to put inclusivity and creativity first in the support of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. At the time, Arts of Life was the only Alternative Day Program in Chicago with a specific focus on artistic vocational opportunities. From our start with 10 intrepid artists, we have expanded to support 60 artists in two studios. We have opened two galleries and participated in exhibitions in Chicago-land and beyond. We have forged creative and fruitful partnerships and built lasting relationships. Thank you for helping us reach this remarkable milestone.
We mark this anniversary with a year-long celebration. Upcoming 20th Anniversary events include:
Tuesday, August 27, 2019 @ Revolution Brewpub | The Associate Board’s Summer Bash: Party Like It’s 1999!
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 @ Wilmette Theatre | The North Shore Studio’s 10th Birthday Party Celebration, featuring the North Shore premiere of Life And Where I’m At – a documentary about co-founder Ronnie Cuculich
April 3 – 4, 2020 | A How We Make It reunion exhibition and event bringing together work from volunteers and staff over Arts of Life’s twenty-year history
TBD | The release of a limited edition 20th Anniversary beer in partnership with Middle Brow Beer, featuring artwork by Amanda Gantner
We are eager to expand the visibility of our artists throughout the year. If your business would be interested in a collaboration or installation, please contact Vincent Uribe at vuribe@artsoflife.org.
For press inquiries, please contact Anne Cauley at acauley@artsoflife.org.
Ronnie and Denise became neighbors when Ronnie moved into a CILA next door. Denise walked her dog by her house every day and eventually introduced herself and became friends with Ronnie’s housemate; who ultimately recommended Denny for a job with the agency supporting her as a case manager.
People with disabilities were still rarely seen and weren’t the critical decision makers in their lives. The embarrassing state of services in Illinois motivated Denise to bring people together and create something new. Joining forces with other people with and without disabilities, they began to build what Arts of Life is today. Ronnie wanted to turn her art hobby into a career and Denny wanted everyone to have an equal voice. These tenants allowed, and continue to enable, all members to have a voice and leadership within the broader community. Arts of Life opened the first location in Chicago January 2000 with 9 founding artists, becoming the city’s first Alternative Day Program focusing on artistic vocational opportunities for people with disabilities.
Arts of Life receives accreditation through the Council on Quality and Leadership, ensuring that AofL meets the state’s requirements for safe, supportive, and effective programming
The Arts of Life Band and Dave Krueger are featured on the cover of The Chicago Reader. The corresponding cover story celebrates that Arts of Life and the band prove that “being developmentally disabled doesn’t stand in the way of rocking out.”
The Arts of Life’s Teaching Artist Residency Program (TARP) begins serving schools and students in the North Shore, providing arts-based education to a broader community.
Arts of Life receives a three-year capacity-building grant through the Coleman Foundation and launches the Artist Enterprise Program (AEP) to advance artists’ professional development.
The Chicago Cultural Center invites Arts of Life to curate an exhibition titled “In Good Company,” featuring seven artists from the studio and four from the community.