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Celebrating 20 Years
Join us in celebrating 20 years!
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!
- Three City Social, a nationally traveling exhibition featuring Nikole Heusman and Amanda Gantner alongside the work of artists from Los Angeles and Portland
- 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 [email protected].
For press inquiries, please contact Anne Cauley at [email protected].
Cool Timeline
1994
Co-founders Ronnie Cuclich and Denise Fisher first meet.
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.
2000
Chicago Studio Location Opens
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..Read More
2004
Council on Quality and Leadership Accreditation
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
2006
Arts of Life Artists featured at the New York Outsider Art Fair
The Carl Hammer Gallery represents two Arts of Life artists, Ronnie Cuclich and Sylvia Ramirez, at the New York Outsider Art Fair
2008
2009
The Arts of Life Band Album Launch
The Arts of Life Band records their first self-titled album with eight original songs.
2010
North Shore Expansion
Arts of Life opens a second studio in Glenview, making our programming available to artists in the North Shore.
2011
John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Showcase
Arts of Life participates in the VSA Art Project at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The Chicago Reader Cover Story
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.”
Awarded Best Advocate for the Arts
Arts of Life receives the Chicago Reader’s Best Advocate for the Arts Award.
2012
Museum of Everything in London
Arts of Life artwork is featured in an exhibition at the Museum of Everything in London.
Get the Dinosaurs on the Phone Album Release
The North Shore band, Van Go Go, releases their first album “Get the Dinosaurs on the Phone” with a launch party at the Wilmette Theatre.
2015
Awarded Chicago Community Trust’s SMART Growth Grant
Arts of Life is selected to participate in the Chicago Community Trust’s SMART Growth program, a four-year capacity building initiative.
Teaching Artist Residency Program Launches
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.
2016
Enrollment Reaches 60
Artist enrollment reaches 60 between the two studios.
CB2 Partnership
Chicago studio artist, Guy Conners, partners with CB2 for a limited-run print of his painting “Ice Cream Cone.”
2017
Awarded a Coleman Grant
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.
Circle Contemporary Gallery Launch
Arts of Life’s first gallery, Circle Contemporary – Chicago, launches with year-round exhibition programing.
Waisman Center Permanent Collection
28 Arts of Life pieces are accepted into Waisman Center’s permanent art collection and featured in the exhibition Drawn to Art.
A is for Artist at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
Arts of Life featured at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art A is for Artist exhibition curated by Scott Hunter showcasing 24 studio artist.
2018
Middlebrow Beer Co Artist Beer Can
North Shore studio artist, Amanda Gantner, partners with Middlebrow Beer Co., designing a line of beer cans.
2019
In Good Company at the Chicago Cultural Center
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.
ABC7 News Feature
Hosea Sanders and Marissa N. Isang from ABC 7 news highlight Arts of Life.
2020
20th Anniversary
The pandemic disrupts most anniversary plans, but our Arts of Life North Shore Studio celebrates its 10th birthday at the Wilmette Theatre.
Arts of Life Becomes State Licensed CDS
Arts of Life is approved as a state-licensed Community Day Service – a program outside of the individual’s residential living arrangement that focuses on the development and enhancement of daily adaptive living skills and economic self-sufficiency.
Art on the Mart
Arts of Life participates in Art on theMART, the largest permanent art projection in the world, alongside the Art Institute of Chicago and Joffrey Ballet.
2021
Awarded a Builders Initiative Grant
Arts of Life receives a three-year capacity-building grant through the Builders Initiative to expand our gallery and community programs.
2022
Community Programs Launch in Evanston
Fueled by investments from Builders Initiative, Arts Work Fund, and the Block Family Foundation, Arts of Life launches our first community programs in Evanston with in-home supports and a partnership with the Evanston Art Center.
The Outsider Art Fair Debut
Arts of Life exhibits in New York City at The Outsider Art Fair – a fair showcasing self-taught art, art brut, and outsider art from around the world.
Chicago EXPO Debut
Arts of Life exhibits for the first time at Chicago EXPO – the city’s largest art event of the year.
Miami Debut at NADA and Untitled Art
Arts of Life exhibits for the first time during Art Basel Miami Beach at two fairs – NADA and Untitled Art
2023
Japan Debut
In partnership with Sho + 1 gallery, Arts of Life exhibits at Art Fair Tokyo, the largest art fair in Japan and the oldest in Asia, in March; Art Fair Asia Fukuoka in September; and Art Collaboration Kyoto in October 2023.
2024
South Side Expansion
Arts of Life opens a satellite studio in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood at the First Presbyterian Church, increasing the accessibility of our programming to artists on the South Side.
Join us in celebrating 20 years!
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!
- Three City Social, a nationally traveling exhibition featuring Nikole Heusman and Amanda Gantner alongside the work of artists from Los Angeles and Portland
- 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 [email protected].
For press inquiries, please contact Anne Cauley at [email protected].
Cool Timeline
1994
Co-founders Ronnie Cuclich and Denise Fisher first meet.
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.
2000
Chicago Studio Location Opens
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..Read More
2004
Council on Quality and Leadership Accreditation
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
2006
Arts of Life Artists featured at the New York Outsider Art Fair
The Carl Hammer Gallery represents two Arts of Life artists, Ronnie Cuclich and Sylvia Ramirez, at the New York Outsider Art Fair
2008
2009
The Arts of Life Band Album Launch
The Arts of Life Band records their first self-titled album with eight original songs.
2010
North Shore Expansion
Arts of Life opens a second studio in Glenview, making our programming available to artists in the North Shore.
2011
John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Showcase
Arts of Life participates in the VSA Art Project at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The Chicago Reader Cover Story
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.”
Awarded Best Advocate for the Arts
Arts of Life receives the Chicago Reader’s Best Advocate for the Arts Award.
2012
Museum of Everything in London
Arts of Life artwork is featured in an exhibition at the Museum of Everything in London.
Get the Dinosaurs on the Phone Album Release
The North Shore band, Van Go Go, releases their first album “Get the Dinosaurs on the Phone” with a launch party at the Wilmette Theatre.
2015
Awarded Chicago Community Trust’s SMART Growth Grant
Arts of Life is selected to participate in the Chicago Community Trust’s SMART Growth program, a four-year capacity building initiative.
Teaching Artist Residency Program Launches
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.
2016
Enrollment Reaches 60
Artist enrollment reaches 60 between the two studios.
CB2 Partnership
Chicago studio artist, Guy Conners, partners with CB2 for a limited-run print of his painting “Ice Cream Cone.”
2017
Awarded a Coleman Grant
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.
Circle Contemporary Gallery Launch
Arts of Life’s first gallery, Circle Contemporary – Chicago, launches with year-round exhibition programing.
Waisman Center Permanent Collection
28 Arts of Life pieces are accepted into Waisman Center’s permanent art collection and featured in the exhibition Drawn to Art.
A is for Artist at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
Arts of Life featured at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art A is for Artist exhibition curated by Scott Hunter showcasing 24 studio artist.
2018
Middlebrow Beer Co Artist Beer Can
North Shore studio artist, Amanda Gantner, partners with Middlebrow Beer Co., designing a line of beer cans.
2019
In Good Company at the Chicago Cultural Center
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.
ABC7 News Feature
Hosea Sanders and Marissa N. Isang from ABC 7 news highlight Arts of Life.
2020
20th Anniversary
The pandemic disrupts most anniversary plans, but our Arts of Life North Shore Studio celebrates its 10th birthday at the Wilmette Theatre.
Arts of Life Becomes State Licensed CDS
Arts of Life is approved as a state-licensed Community Day Service – a program outside of the individual’s residential living arrangement that focuses on the development and enhancement of daily adaptive living skills and economic self-sufficiency.
Art on the Mart
Arts of Life participates in Art on theMART, the largest permanent art projection in the world, alongside the Art Institute of Chicago and Joffrey Ballet.
2021
Awarded a Builders Initiative Grant
Arts of Life receives a three-year capacity-building grant through the Builders Initiative to expand our gallery and community programs.
2022
Community Programs Launch in Evanston
Fueled by investments from Builders Initiative, Arts Work Fund, and the Block Family Foundation, Arts of Life launches our first community programs in Evanston with in-home supports and a partnership with the Evanston Art Center.
The Outsider Art Fair Debut
Arts of Life exhibits in New York City at The Outsider Art Fair – a fair showcasing self-taught art, art brut, and outsider art from around the world.
Chicago EXPO Debut
Arts of Life exhibits for the first time at Chicago EXPO – the city’s largest art event of the year.
Miami Debut at NADA and Untitled Art
Arts of Life exhibits for the first time during Art Basel Miami Beach at two fairs – NADA and Untitled Art
2023
Japan Debut
In partnership with Sho + 1 gallery, Arts of Life exhibits at Art Fair Tokyo, the largest art fair in Japan and the oldest in Asia, in March; Art Fair Asia Fukuoka in September; and Art Collaboration Kyoto in October 2023.
2024
South Side Expansion
Arts of Life opens a satellite studio in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood at the First Presbyterian Church, increasing the accessibility of our programming to artists on the South Side.
