general news, new accomplishments, new staff
With the heaviest of hearts, I share that my dad, Bob Fisher, passed peacefully in his home on September 6, 2022. When recounting the Arts of Life origin story, I have often said that we wouldn’t be here without my friendship with our founding artist Ronnie. I don’t share as often how important my parents […]
Remembering Bob Fisher Read More »
Although Arts of Life has always championed equity, inclusion, and accessibility for our artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the events of the summer of 2020 put a spotlight on the work we still needed to do to expand these values within Arts of Life. We need to talk seriously about the lack of
DEIA Progress Report 2022 Read More »
We are beyond grateful for the amazing, resilient community at Arts of Life. Quite simply, we would not be here without our artists, staff, volunteers, and supporters. Together we have built an organization that has not only withstood but been strengthened by the countless challenges of the past two years. As we embark on an
Reflecting on 2021. Looking Ahead to 2022. Read More »
When our friends at Notre reached out on behalf of Nike to donate over a dozen pairs of the new Nike GO FlyEase shoes– we couldn’t have been more thrilled. Nearly a decade in the making, the Nike GO FlyEase shoe is designed with adaptive technology that allows the shoe to serve a broad range
Partnership Highlight: Notre x Nike x Arts of Life Read More »
We believe that social distancing is critical at this time and continue to take steps to keep all members of our community safe. The Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Division, is taking extra precautions and are requiring all Day Service organizations close through April 15th.
Updates from Our Executive Director Regarding COVID-19 Read More »
This week The Arc of Illinois lauded the work of our community. With two remarkable awards they recognized the work both of Arts of Life and that of longtime volunteer Cindy Shanker. This serves as a reminder that despite the many challenges of the past year, we have much to celebrate! The Distinguished Service Award
Arts of Life Receives Two Awards from The Arc of Illinois Read More »
Dear Arts of Life Community, This time last year I was having the perfect week – welcoming a new team at our Chicago Studio plus dinner with a donor and birthday drinks with a close friend. Three of my favorite things. Then, quite suddenly, everything shut down. The Department of Human Services took sweeping steps
One Year of COVID-19 Read More »
As the year comes to a close, we thank the small businesses that have brightened our year and helped to amplify our artists’ creative visions. From donating pizzas to providing exhibition space, Arts of Life’s Community Business Partners are always there when we need them most. This season, with stricter lockdown orders back in place, we want
A Special Thanks to our Small Business Partners Read More »
Illinois continues to rank among the worst states in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now the state appears to be returning to an institutional landscape where residents with disabilities are restricted to living and working in one facility for the foreseeable future. The impending loss of the state’s independent CDS programs takes us further backward with ramifications that will take years to undo.
We Need Your Advocacy Now. Read More »
The topic of self-care has taken on increased importance in a time of stay-at-home orders, disrupted routines, and witnessing and challenging injustice. Here at Arts of Life we have aspects of self-care built into our programming including meditation, breaks, art-making, and relationship building. With daily life looking different at home, artists shared their personal self-care
Studio Meeting Reflections: Self-Care Read More »
This program is partially funded by support from the following organizations (Full Community Partners list here):
