Communication through art

Artists Creating Together (ACT) is dedicated to connecting people with disabilities with art. With a recent name change and a move to a new facility, they’re now better prepared to embrace the future.

The organization formerly called Very Special Arts changed its name in March 2011 to Artists Creating Together because the name wasn’t advancing what ACT believes.

“The word ‘special’ has a negative connotation and didn’t reflect our belief in an inclusive community that recognizes the potential of everyone,” says Executive Director Michele Suchovsky. “We believe everyone is special.”

Shortly after the name change, the organization moved to its new location at Monroe Avenue and Leonard Street. This facility is more accessible with no stairs, plenty of parking and lots of natural light.

ACT serves more than 6,000 children, youths and adults per year. Its art classes are open to people ages 2-65 and anyone in the community can participate, not just those with disabilities. Siblings of those with a special need are encouraged to come along as well.  

“We’re open and inclusive to everyone,” Suchovsky says.

Attendees range from those with minor or no disabilities, to those with severe learning disabilities and with severe multiple impairments -- both cognitive and physical. There are support systems in place so everyone may participate.

ACT believes the role of art is to share a view of the world from an individual perspective and people with disabilities offer such a unique perspective.

“Art is such a wonderfully equalizing way to communicate,” says Suchovsky. “It’s a way to shine and everyone can do it.”

The response for the classes is overwhelmingly positive and participants say it’s a place where they can be themselves, express themselves and “no one looks at you funny.”

Summer classes, which start this week, take place in their new facility. During the school year, classes are held in area schools and in three local hospitals: Metropolitan, Mary Free Bed and the Spectrum Continuing Care Facility.

Often, ACT partners with arts organizations such as Meijer Gardens, Children’s Museum, Civic Theatre and Grand Rapids Ballet Company and holds classes in their facilities. Suchovsky says the goal is to “help people with disabilities access the wonderful creative community we have here.”

ACT also selects three artists to participate in ArtPrize each year through a program called the Legacy Trust Award Collection. Anyone can enter this contest, following the rules of ArtPrize. A public vote takes place at a reception displaying the artwork of all entrants. The top three artists with the most votes are then sponsored as ArtPrize artists and get to display their work at the Amway Grand Plaza during the international competition. Winners this year are Leanne VandenBos, Lane Cooper and David Chupp.

Funding for ACT mostly comes from community support, including two annual fundraisers per year: a luncheon held in the spring and an art auction held in the fall. The date for this fall’s art auction is November 15, held at the Goei Center.

Class fees pay for 20 percent of the operating budget. Scholarships are available to participants based on financial need. The Autism Society of West Michigan also offers a scholarship for people with autism 16 years or older.

“We have a policy that we don’t turn anyone away,” says Suchovsky.

Volunteers are always needed at ACT, as well as cash or in-kind donations such as art supplies. More than 550 people volunteer for this nonprofit organization each year.  

There are a number of ways you can get involved with Artists Creating Together. Here are a few suggestions:

-    Visit Artists Creating Together online to find out more.
-    Donate cash or art supplies to ACT.
-    Volunteer for ACT.
-    Sign up for a summer class at ACT.
-    Attend the annual art auction fundraiser on November 15. More information coming soon.
-    Like ACT on Facebook.

Source: Michele Suchovsky, Executive Director at Artists Creating Together, along with Program Directors Katie Timmermans and Becky Althaus.
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor

Photographs provided by Artists Creating Together.