| History of The Art Experience, Inc. |
Mission Statement: To provide creative and therapeutic arts experiences to a
diverse Oakland County community.
diverse Oakland County community.
The Art Experience, Inc. is a non-profit community art studio in Waterford, Michigan.
Beginning in 1995 six artists, all therapists, rented downtown Pontiac storefront with a unique mission
-- to take the myth of the isolated struggling artist and turn it on its head. They believed everyone to be
artists when given even the smallest opportunity, and that the power to heal and transform lives was
inherent to the creative processes. It was their assertion that making art with others renewed and
inspired everyone involved. These beliefs and assertions led to the creation of an environment within
which all members of the community would feel welcomed to experience art making and to share that
experience with others.
The doors to The Art Experience opened every Tuesday and Thursday night. All who entered were
welcomed and invited to create -- draw, paint, sing, dance or make something. A monthly open
microphone event was added, initially led by a man who walked in one evening and kept coming back
(he later served on the Board of Directors). The six professionals provided gentle encouragement
while guiding individuals beyond their usual comfort zone into new areas of their own creativity. It was
this early quality of a supportive environment for which they are still known today.
From 1998 through 2003 The Art Experience provided a weekly community art experience to residents
of several special-needs adult group homes, who arrived in vans every Wednesday evening.
In 2000, they gained 501c3 status and a Board of Directors was formed. The Artists/Art Therapists,
designated by the Board volunteer Creative Directors, added art classes, computer access and
seasonal musical events. In the creative community environment of The Art Experience's residents
evolved over time from clients to friends. The mutual teaching and learning facilitated in the studios
often blurs the line that distinguishes mentor from student. The studio classes have a diverse
clientele -- young and old, people with and without disabilities. They provides a flourishing inclusive
creative community where all people are valued for their abilities, talents and the curiosity that drives
creative endeavor.
In early 2002 The Art Experience moved to 562 W. Huron Street just outside the downtown Pontiac area.
With a Board of Directors, a growing volunteer base and a new space, commitment to creating
community through art continues. The list of accomplished programs covers a variety of areas, ranging
from advocating for individual artists to group projects and classes. The artist-in-residence program
for special needs artists exemplifies the level of commitment and potential for success provided by
them.
On June 1, 2005, The Art Experience moved into their new studio at 315 Telegraph Road, Suite 214,
Waterford, Michigan. The studio is located in the Summit Place Mall between Kohls and Sears and gave
them a larger space to teach and grow.
Collaborations with other non-profits include The Path, Women's Survival Center, Hope Network, United
Way of Oakland County, Kennedy Center School, Orion Art Center, Common Ground Sanctuary and the
Pontiac Host Committee.
Beginning in 1995 six artists, all therapists, rented downtown Pontiac storefront with a unique mission
-- to take the myth of the isolated struggling artist and turn it on its head. They believed everyone to be
artists when given even the smallest opportunity, and that the power to heal and transform lives was
inherent to the creative processes. It was their assertion that making art with others renewed and
inspired everyone involved. These beliefs and assertions led to the creation of an environment within
which all members of the community would feel welcomed to experience art making and to share that
experience with others.
The doors to The Art Experience opened every Tuesday and Thursday night. All who entered were
welcomed and invited to create -- draw, paint, sing, dance or make something. A monthly open
microphone event was added, initially led by a man who walked in one evening and kept coming back
(he later served on the Board of Directors). The six professionals provided gentle encouragement
while guiding individuals beyond their usual comfort zone into new areas of their own creativity. It was
this early quality of a supportive environment for which they are still known today.
From 1998 through 2003 The Art Experience provided a weekly community art experience to residents
of several special-needs adult group homes, who arrived in vans every Wednesday evening.
In 2000, they gained 501c3 status and a Board of Directors was formed. The Artists/Art Therapists,
designated by the Board volunteer Creative Directors, added art classes, computer access and
seasonal musical events. In the creative community environment of The Art Experience's residents
evolved over time from clients to friends. The mutual teaching and learning facilitated in the studios
often blurs the line that distinguishes mentor from student. The studio classes have a diverse
clientele -- young and old, people with and without disabilities. They provides a flourishing inclusive
creative community where all people are valued for their abilities, talents and the curiosity that drives
creative endeavor.
In early 2002 The Art Experience moved to 562 W. Huron Street just outside the downtown Pontiac area.
With a Board of Directors, a growing volunteer base and a new space, commitment to creating
community through art continues. The list of accomplished programs covers a variety of areas, ranging
from advocating for individual artists to group projects and classes. The artist-in-residence program
for special needs artists exemplifies the level of commitment and potential for success provided by
them.
On June 1, 2005, The Art Experience moved into their new studio at 315 Telegraph Road, Suite 214,
Waterford, Michigan. The studio is located in the Summit Place Mall between Kohls and Sears and gave
them a larger space to teach and grow.
Collaborations with other non-profits include The Path, Women's Survival Center, Hope Network, United
Way of Oakland County, Kennedy Center School, Orion Art Center, Common Ground Sanctuary and the
Pontiac Host Committee.
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