With support from the California Arts Council, NURTURING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT will invite artist Mara Poliak to facilitate weekly movement workshops and field trip outings, culminating in 4 free public workshop/performances, in a collaboration with NIAD studio artists. While NIAD provides a 5-day studio program in visual arts for people with disabilities, the CAC AIC project would allow NIAD to expand its program for a full year, responding to NIAD artists’ stated interest.
NIAD supports artists by providing space, materials and instruction so they may make art that is then sold to provide income to the artists. The open collective studio explores art making in painting, ceramics, fiber arts, sculpture, printmaking and mixed media. Once the art is made, it is then exhibited, marketed, and sold to the public. The artists are also supported in learning necessary communication skills to interact with those who are interested in their work. NIAD is supportive of all visual artists in the area, inviting artists to lead workshops, curate exhibitions and exhibit work in the Richmond gallery.