Programs.
The evidence-based Open Studio programs provide disenfranchised and under-served community members a sense of self-determination, independence, and self-worth through a creative, artistic process. Our programs also promote social integration, collaboration, and development of a community in which every member can participate freely, comfortably, and equally, despite ability.

​The benefits of Artists First’s programs reach beyond the physical works created by the artists. Artists enjoy the benefits of program participation outside of their time at the studio through improved social interactions, outside art projects, financial independence, and increased confidence. We promote self-sufficiency and encourage artists to plan and execute desired projects, translating into skillsets for every part of life.

Adult Open Studio

Our Adult Open Studio provides participants with a studio stocked with professional supplies and technical facilitation by professional artists. 
Program Hours:
Monday - Thursday 10AM - 3PM
Friday - 10AM - 12PM 
No appointment necessary. 

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​Lifeworks

Lifeworks is a comprehensive, progressive, strengths based program that utilizes a less restrictive approach to increasing chances for success and independence for participants. Lifeworks is a program tailored to professionally minded artists with developmental disabilities to obtain their greatest potential and growth in employment, social, emotional and physical domains through the arts. 

​Supported by the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources.

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Portfolio Program

The Portfolio Program is a four-month program geared towards individuals who want to take their artistry skills to the next level, individuals who want to embark on a long term creative project, as well as individuals who require extra one-on-one support to bring out the best of their creative abilities. 

With support from the Productive Living Board there is no cost to St. Louis County residents with Developmental Disabilities. 
In View Mural Program
Artists First's In View Mural Project provides the community (businesses, residences, and public spaces) with high quality, hand-painted, custom murals. 

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Healing the Trauma of "isms"
Healing Trauma of Isms is a trauma and culturally informed, strengths based creative self-expression curriculum to aid individuals heal from the negative effects of experiencing racism and other forms of oppression. The program is specifically designed to address the trauma and grief endured by those who have been discriminated against and who have been exposed to intersectional oppression. The intent of the program is healing and empowerment by providing a safe and supportive space using specific creative self-expression activities to address intersectionality based trauma and to address subsequent health inequities and to heal. 

Integrated Youth Open Studio

Youth with and without disabilities in the Integrated Youth Open Studio collaborate in a diverse environment where they can develop artistic and social skills. 

Program Hours:
Thursday 3 PM - 6 PM

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Artists First for Veterans
Artists First for Veterans is a nontraditional creative support program for current and former Armed Services members that supports the development of positive self-identity, self-expression and community re-integration.

​​Sponsored in part by The Kaufman Fund
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Program Hours: 
Monday 4PM - 7PM

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OMA: Opening Minds Through Art
OMA is an intergenerational visual art program for people with memory loss.  OMA participants create works of art on a weekly basis, while paired with volunteers who are trained to rely on imagination instead of memory and focus on remaining strengths instead of lost skills.  The art projects are failure-free, and allows participants to show others the creative, self-expressive capacities of people with memory loss. An exhibit highlighting the participants' work is held at the end of the 8-week session.

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ARTISTS FIRST
​7190 Manchester Road, Maplewood, MO 63143
​(314) 781-4440