| History of The Art Experience, Inc. |
Mission Statement: To provide creative and therapeutic arts experiences to a diverse Oakland
County community.
County community.
The Art Experience, Inc. is a non-profit community art studio in Pontiac, 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 provide 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.
On September 1, 2009, The Art Experience moved to 175 S. Saginaw #109, Pontiac, MI 48342, just south of the Phoenix
Center, with easy access from Woodward Ave.
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 provide 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.
On September 1, 2009, The Art Experience moved to 175 S. Saginaw #109, Pontiac, MI 48342, just south of the Phoenix
Center, with easy access from Woodward Ave.
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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