“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.” John 10:10
Vision Shaper/ Executive Director David Gaddy of Imagine Art has witnessed artists with disabilities which “scream [sic] loudly, evidence” of the thief. Through the transforming power of Imagine Art’s loving community, these artists can begin their journey to the “clarity and freedom” of abundant love.
Newly located on Real Street in Austin, Texas, Imagine Art is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose vision is to move artists with disabilities “out of isolation and artistic stagnation and into a place of impassioned creativity and service. “That vision is evident,” said David, “in the lives of those they serve, who face physical, mental, and social barriers.” Artists, some schooled, whose talents have been held hostage by drug addiction or emotional disorders, can move toward “a place of healing and renew their hearts.” David shared, “It’s an intense time investment, but we see recovery when artists who come on a regular basis find a place to create art within a healthy, diverse, believing community.” Imagine Art provides studios, materials, and, through the Capital Area Food Bank, meals.
“The most formidable barrier these artists face is isolation,” said David. Over 80% of the artists are unemployed. Many are surrounded by people who through their own depression or disabilities accompany them on a downward spiral. Moving away from that necessitates “faith, space, and place.” Through Imagine Art’s programs, artists find worthwhile work. Their personalities and skill sets are matched so they can generate some of their income through their artwork. Artists are invited to participate in local art shows, like the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, where they can sell their pieces. The Career Palette Coordinator helps artists find sustainable jobs.
The Imagine Arts Studio’s move to the Austin House of Prayer, a small community committed to networking churches, is one that David said will contribute to the effectiveness of their mission and vision. Because several faith-based organizations are involved in AHOP and are exploring a more collaborative community, ultimately a more “fully functioning body, one that reflects the diversity of the body of Christ” will exist. To that end, Imagine Art‘s Bible study is being re-evaluated, the major shift being toward meeting with artists on an individual basis. Headed by an artist who has “a mature walk with the Lord,” the program is evolving into one with increased credibility because she “doesn’t allow her disability to be the center of her life.” David’s enthusiastic about this shift, especially because this artist is one who has lived and moved from the seek, kill, and destroy side of John 10:10.
Brought in to help “package the vision” of Imagine Arts, David said Imagine Art became an organization of faith due to the “personal faith epiphany” of founder Debbie Boyd Kizer. After long struggles with depression and addiction, Debbie found solace in art and sought to establish an organization for those with disabilities in the art world. Imagine Art became the perfect channel for her passions, contributions, talents and ambitions.
Imagine Art first provided services in October 1998 under the fiscal management of The Austin Visual Arts Association and later VSA Arts of Texas. Each year, the number of artists served doubled and services soon expanded nationwide. Two years later, the Board of Directors was formed and a statement of faith was incorporated which enabled Imagine Art to operate as a ministry project. In 2001, Imagine Art was awarded 501c3 status.
To qualify for services, artists need to be pursuing a career in the arts, eventually hoping to achieve sufficient success to make a living as an artist. Eventually, David said, Imagine Art would like to create a gallery where people could view artwork and, perhaps, view artists doing the work.
You can learn more about Imagine Art on their website.
Christa Allan writes contemporary Women’s Fiction and is in her 22nd year teaching high school English. She is the mother of five adult children and the totally smitten Grammy of two precious granddaughters. She and her husband, Ken, live in Louisiana with their three cats. Christa writes for ACFW’s Afictionado e-zine. She has essays in Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the Divorced Soul. Read more of Christa’s writing on her website.
Glimpses – October 2008
