What We Offer

Artists First provides opportunities for meaningful creative experiences for artists of all abilities. Our diverse range of programs are designed to empower individuals, build community, and champion the power of creativity. Through our programs and community initiatives, we strive to facilitate experiences where every participant can explore their artistic potential.

What We Believe

Arts Engagement for All

Artists First’s mission and everything we engage in is centered around arts accessibility. Artists First, is based on the social model meaning we adapt to the needs of individuals, they do not need to adapt to our physical environment or programming. Artists First is person-centered and uses a strengths-based approach to build an environment where everyone has the tools they need to succeed. When we create accessible spaces and systems, we create a more compassionate, fair, and productive world for all.

Community

We believe in the power of artistic communities to not only nurture the creative process but also to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, healing, and social change. The Artists First community is the foundation of connection, support, and growth for over 400 artists. It provides individuals with a sense of belonging and purpose. The Artists First community is a vibrant, dynamic space where creativity thrives, and individuals come together to share, inspire, and challenge one another.

Best-Practice

Our organization takes a minimal-touch approach, providing participants with the resources they need to succeed while respecting their autonomy. We transfer control to the artists, allowing them to engage in the creative process with full access to professional art supplies, equipment, and specialized art facilitation as needed. This approach ensures that artists can express themselves freely and authentically, without limitations imposed by external expectations or constraints.

Meet the A1 Team

Sheila Suderwalla, MSW
Executive Director

Executive Director, Sheila Suderwalla has over 20 years’ experience working with communities in need. Some of her successes as a social worker have been featured in publications such as the New York Times, St. Louis Post Dispatch and Time Magazine. Since 2013, Sheila has built Artists First into an award-winning organization. In 2023 she was awarded the Arts Innovator Women’s Visionary Award. As a juried winning artist, she has incorporated art into her work with individuals who have experienced trauma. Sheila has a Bachelor of Arts from Principia College, Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Certificate in Expressive and Integrative Therapies from Fontbonne University.

Catie Deck
Program Manager

Catie is a ceramic artist, ceramic instructor, and painter from St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor's in Studio Art and a Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. Additionally, Catie is a certified Peer Specialist with specialized training in Crisis Stabilization and Safety. Since 2023, she has been with Artists First, currently serving as the studio’s Program Manager. As both an artist and facilitator, Catie is passionate about integrating art as a pathway to holistic health. Through process-based practices, she fosters mind-body connection and intuition, empowering individuals to explore creativity as a tool for personal well-being and growth.

Lauren Lee
Arts Programming Coordinator

Lauren Lee is a St. Louis based artist and art education enthusiast. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Southeast Missouri State University and a Masters of Fine Art in Arts Administration and Leadership from Webster University. Lauren enjoys sharing her passion for the arts with all ages. Over the years, Lauren has taught visual art for school aged youth to adults and has programmed arts learning experiences within the St. Louis community. As an artist, her acquired sense of style incorporates bold colors, texture, and movement. Lauren’s mission with her work is to create colorful paintings that brighten peoples lives. Lauren joined the A1 team in the spring of 2025 as the Arts Programming Coordinator. In this role Lauren works to maintain community program relationships and to create new partnerships and showcase opportunities for all A1 artists.

Kelsey Herschel
Studio Manager

Kelsey has been immersed in art for as long as she can remember. Her creative journey began at home, where her mom led daily art activities using mostly found objects from nature as tools and subjects for projects. Kelsey has always connected with creativity & art as a means of processing and expressing emotions. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising from Fontbonne University. Her artistic pursuits span floral design, photography, jewelry making, stained glass, and ceramics. Passionate about creativity, self-expression, and community, Kelsey finds purpose in empowering others through art. At A1 Studio, she’s found the intersection of these values—supporting fellow artists as they explore their inner worlds and grow in their craft.

Asia Johnson - Brimmage
Lead Art Facilitator

Asia earned her Bachelor's in Art from Fontbonne University, where she also had the opportunity to study West African Dance in Ghana. She is a proud participant in the Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship. Since 2023, Asia has served as an Art Facilitator at Artists First, working directly with artists in the studio to explore new materials, learn diverse art-making techniques, and build meaningful connections within the studio and across the broader community. In her art practice, Asia creates experimental multimedia portraiture that delves into themes of race and identity. Her work has been exhibited at esteemed venues, including the St. Louis Art Museum.

Leticia Brock
Operations Manager

Leticia holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business Administration and brings over 35 years of accounting experience, including work with various non-profits. She has been an integral part of the Artists First team for the past three years, contributing her expertise to the organization’s financial operations. Outside of her professional role, Leticia is deeply committed to community service, dedicating much of her free time to MapleGood. She also cherishes spending quality time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Board of Directors