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 and spending 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. The Adult Open Studio program is distinctive in that it is an open program that fosters growth and self-determination. Rather than structured, formalized classes, the Open Studio at Artists First offers art facilitation on individualized levels.
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Artists have the freedom to access, explore and grow through experimentation with a myriad of art forms. The minimal touch practice at Artists First allows artists freedom to explore the arts on their terms and to make their own decisions regarding their artwork, including what they will create, how they will create it, whether or not they will market it.
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Artists First curates and hosts community art exhibitions highlighting the talents of Artists First participants. Featuring the artwork of Artists First artists in community forums helps dismantle stereotypes of people with disabilities while giving artists the chance to fully participate in the increasingly vibrant arts community.

​Lifeworks

Lifeworks is a comprehensive, progressive, consumer 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. 
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Artists First staff facilitates financial independence for the participants by vigorously seeking out opportunities locally, regionally, and nationally to display, market and sell Lifeworks participants' artwork. Lifeworks' staff work collaboratively with participants to identify employment goals and develop a realistic action plan. Artists with disabilities are empowered in developing their own roadmap to meaningful opportunities through creative self-expression. Lifeworks is a customized, liberating alternative to employment opportunities available to individuals with disabilities, supported by the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disabilities. 

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. The youth make art, socialize, and work with others in a confidence-building, safe, nurturing setting. The Integrated Youth Open Studio promotes the concept of art as an avocation as well as a vehicle for understanding and respect. Youth participants are given free rein of the studio to experiment with a wide variety of mediums and techniques in a holistic atmosphere; it is through this freedom to explore and experiment that artists begin to find their own unique vision and passions. Throughout the process of creating art, the youth are interfacing with their peers and Artists First staff and volunteers, enhancing their communication and interpersonal skills; this serves to encourage a greater sense of self-worth, self-reliance, and ultimately their independence. Additionally, integrated youth sessions foster mutual learning and understanding among youth of all abilities.
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. We have seen firsthand the healing affects art can have on individuals with a variety of needs such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and brain injury as well as for individuals who require a supportive outlet to process their unique experiences and personal stories. Having full access to the studio stocked with professional art supplies, veterans can choose what they want to express and create. If needed, structured creative projects will be prepared specifically for veterans.
Life In Art: Lifebooking Program
​Artists First’s Life in Art: Lifebooking program was originally designed to serve individuals with disabilities who may have experienced numerous transitions such as turnover of support staff, caregivers and service providers. With each new relationship some may find themselves retelling their story, needs, talents, connections and losses over and over. A Lifebook can aid individuals with disabilities, veterans or individuals who have experienced trauma in communicating their story in a creative and positive manner. Artists First gives individuals a framework for developing this tool which can be added to over a person’s lifetime and can be used to maintain connections, communicate needs
and for self-advocacy.
OMA: Opening Minds Through Art
Artists First has partnered with the evidence based program Opening Minds Through Art (OMA). Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) was founded by Dr. Elizabeth “Like” Lokon in 2007 and is grounded in person-centered care principles. It is headquartered at Scripps Gerontology Center, an Ohio Center of Excellence at Miami University. 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.  OMA enables people with dementia to assume new roles as artists and teachers and leave a legacy of beautiful artwork. The art projects are failure-free, and allows participants to show others the creative self -expression capacities of people with dementia. An exhibit highlighting the participants work is held at the end of the 8-week session. The  program at Artists First is offered with the support of the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Missouri Chapter and Maryville University.

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Join a Program.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining a program, send us an email below:
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