First.
Artists First is an inclusive, non-profit art studio empowering artists of all abilities. We believe in bringing art to the community as a means of integration, healing, support, and finding common ground.
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Dear Friends,
With the changing times and new recommendations on the gathering of people being 10 or less, Artists First is temporarily CLOSED. This is not a decision we make lightly knowing that for many who utilize our studio we are a safety net and an important part of their daily lives. The staff at Artists First will be checking in regularly with our artists during this time. Whereas, we may not be able to support one another in person we will continue to do so via telephone, email and social media. With transparency being an important value of how we operate at Artists First, we will be sure to communicate regularly with any changes or updates. Please feel free to contact us at info@artistsfirststl.org Our collective wellbeing is of great importance to all of us at Artists First. In gratitude, Sheila Suderwalla, MSW Executive Director |
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Accessibility-
Artists First accepts all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, religion, race or ethnicity. Our culture is one of inclusion, from program development to program implementation, intentionally targeting disenfranchised individuals and taking steps to ensure participation, including reduced fees and scholarships. We are aware of, and proactive in, fostering equity, equality, and inclusiveness. |
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-
Artists First’s mission and existence is based on the unflinching belief in the imperativeness of diversity in all forms; equity and inclusion for all. Artists First utilizes a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) lens and an intersectionality viewpoint in hiring practices, development of policies, program development, and activities. We choose to frame cultural understanding and acceptance through the lens of humility, meaning we know we do not know it all – we actively listen, honestly reflect and constantly learn. Our commitment is more than words it is at the heart of all that we do.
Artists First is honored to be the winner of the 2019 Inclusion Award from
the Missouri Governor's Council on Disability!
The Inclusion Award and one Honorable Mention are presented annually to recognize private and public employers, individuals, and organizations that have successfully included people with disabilities in education, employment, housing, leisure activities, and website accessibility. Individuals are also encouraged to nominate state and local government divisions or employees they truly feel excel in inclusive practices.
2019 Inclusion Award winner: Artists First, St. Louis
Artists First is an inclusive art studio empowering artists of all abilities and bringing art to the community as a means of integration, healing, support and finding common ground. Through innovative art programs, Artists First supports more than 225 individuals and connects them to the resources they need to grow socially, intellectually, and emotionally through creative self-expression. Artist First’s participation in over 45 community events in 2019 provided opportunities for genuine community involvement and allowed artists with disabilities to be integrated into the art community and labor market.
2019 Inclusion Award winner: Artists First, St. Louis
Artists First is an inclusive art studio empowering artists of all abilities and bringing art to the community as a means of integration, healing, support and finding common ground. Through innovative art programs, Artists First supports more than 225 individuals and connects them to the resources they need to grow socially, intellectually, and emotionally through creative self-expression. Artist First’s participation in over 45 community events in 2019 provided opportunities for genuine community involvement and allowed artists with disabilities to be integrated into the art community and labor market.
Meet Our Team
Click the picture to learn more about each team member.
SHEILA SUDERWALLA, MSW.
Executive Director |
MARY HARDEN, MSW.
Outreach Director |
JASMINE RASKAS
Lead Art Facilitator |
WILLIAM BOWER-LEET
Executive Assistant |
HAYLEY RAGAN, BSW
Art Facilitator |
Meet Our Board-
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Jimauria Evans, Board Co-President is a family member and primary caregiver to an artist attending Artists First. She is employed as a Senior Data Analyst for a Fortune 500 company and has a Masters of Arts in Human Resource Management from Washington University in St. Louis. Her professional career includes work in early childhood education, healthcare management, meeting and convention planning, and community development programming. These experiences allow Jimauria to support Artists First with grant research and writing, office automation, organizational development, and fundraising activities. By using professional skills gained over the last 25 years, she is able to help Artists First thrive as an organization, giving back to a group that has directly produced significant personal growth for her family member.
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Anne Hollin, Board Co-President is an Executive Assistant at the Family Court of St. Louis County and the owner of sHe Handmade Soaps. Anne has been employed by the Family Court for 15 years, the last 8 years of which she has served as the Assistant to the Family Court Administrator. In this capacity, Anne provides administrative support to the Court’s Administrator and also works closely with the Administrative Judge and department directors. Anne volunteers with the court’s SAFETI Program (Substance Abusing Families Engaged In Treatment and Intervention), a voluntary program for parents whose children are involved with the Court. She is a member of the St. Louis County Domestic and Family Violence Council, a committee highly geared toward educating the community, law enforcement and court staff about domestic violence. Anne is also a handcrafted soap maker and owner of sHe Handmade soaps. facebook.com/sHeHandmadeSoaps
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John Orbe, Board Secretary is an experienced corporate attorney currently employed by Emerson Electric Co. where he specializes in domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, as well as venture investments. A native St. Louisan, John has a strong commitment to giving back to the community which has lead him to serve on non-profit boards and maintain a robust pro bono practice throughout his career. This pro bono commitment has resulted in John being named to the Missouri Bar’s Pro Bono Wall of Fame on multiple occasions. John’s practical legal background and pragmatic approach to problem solving makes him an asset to Artists First.
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Nancy Newman Rice, Board Member was born in New York City and was educated at Cornell University and at Washington University, where she earned a BFA with honors and an MFA. She has received awards that include a National Endowment for the Arts/MMA Fellowship for painting, and nominations for a Tiffany Award and an AVA Award in the Visual Arts. Ms. Rice has exhibited her work internationally and has had a number of solo exhibits in both galleries and museums including the Saint Louis Art Museum, MO; The Regina Quick Center for the Arts, NY; Museum Gallery of Southeast Missouri State, MO; Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis MO, and in Chicago IL; and the Sazama Gallery in Chicago IL. Ms. Rice has also had paintings curated into galleries and museums including, The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, IA, The Wustum Museum of Art WI, the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, MO; Katharina Rich Perlow Gallery NY; the Craighead- Green Gallery, Dallas, TX. Her work is included in private collections in the U.S. and abroad. nancynewmanrice.com
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Robert A. Powell, Board Member is a recognized sculptor whose works are in the permanent collections of Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and the Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. He is also the founder and Executive Director of Portfolio Gallery and Educational Center. Portfolio, a 501C3 arts organization in the city of
St. Louis, Missouri educates, enriches lives and to fosters a greater awareness of American artist of African American heritage. Portfolio Gallery impacts on the lives of 5000 citizens yearly. Portfolio Gallery is the recipient of many awards including the River Front Times 2003 Best Citizen award, Best of St. Louis, the 1995 Missouri Arts award and the 2009 recipient of Excellence in the Arts award from the St. Louis Arts and Education Council. |
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Audrey Jones, Board Member is a St. Louis based fashion designer and the founder of Figure 8 Designs'
Mannequins on the Loop a yearly public art instillation on one of the top 10 traveled streets in America, University City's Delmar Loop. Mannequins on the Loop allows creative minds to come together and unleash their imagination. |
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Dede Raskas, Board Member is a business consultant, community volunteer and mother of three who was able to see firsthand how Artists First’s unique programs and dedicated staff change lives for the better. Her oldest daughter Jasmine was able to launch a successful art career while battling numerous health challenges with the support of the staff and volunteers at Artists First. Dede holds a B.A. in English Literature from Washington University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications & Leadership at Maryville University. She has held various agency and corporate positions throughout her career, and recently celebrated her ten-year anniversary at Wells Fargo Advisors where she currently serves as a Vice President for the strategic solutions team in the firm’s First Clearing division. In addition, she is a member of the Wells Fargo Diverse Abilities Team Member Network and serves as a United Way volunteer financial coach.
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Steve Zegel, MSW, LCSW, Advisory Board Member has an award winning social work career and social justice activism that spans 50 years. He has served at local social service agencies including Employment Connection, Nursery Foundation of St. Louis, Learning Consultants, Montgomery-Hyde Park NAC, Plymouth House, and Social Work PRN. Steve has also taught at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, St. Louis University and Ranken Technical College. As a well-respected therapist, social worker and activist, Steve has served on numerous Board of Directors and has been a Mitigation Specialist in federal and state courts involving high profile cases.
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Debora Davidson, Advisory Board, Retired Board President
Debora Davidson, PhD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and owner of Bright Futures, a private practice serving adolescents and adults. Debora fell in love with Artists First through her clients, who she sometimes brings to the studio when they are looking for opportunities to expand their creative expression and leisure activities. Debora has served as the president of the Artists First board since July, 2014. |
Artists First Young Professionals Board
Artists First's Young Professionals Board offers volunteer and leadership opportunities to young professionals who serve as Ambassadors.
A1YP board members create awareness, enhance our service delivery, and help implement the organization’s strategic plan.
A1YP board members create awareness, enhance our service delivery, and help implement the organization’s strategic plan.
Artists First Agency Partners Include:
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ARTISTS FIRST
7190 Manchester Road, Maplewood, MO 63143
(314) 781-4440
7190 Manchester Road, Maplewood, MO 63143
(314) 781-4440
STUDIO HOURS:
*Please call 314-781-4440
for COVID-19 operating hours
*Please call 314-781-4440
for COVID-19 operating hours
Artists First is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization rated in Good Standing with the State of Missouri and a Platinum Seal of Transparency recipient on Guidestar that builds positive social change through art.