Imagine Art

They are a faith-based ministry that aims to establish a space where both artists with and without disabilities thrive.  They offer supports tailored to empower artists with disabilities to create art.  Artists without disabilities work in the studios to create a diverse, inclusive space.

Without Walls is a day program that began as a pilot program with three clients in August of 2021. The brainchild of Amy Utter, Art Director, it is designed to take Imagine Art artists on field trips on a bi-weekly basis. The purpose is to view art at different locations throughout the city which can inspire artists. Of course, galleries and museums are the big draw, but regularly it is street art, libraries or other special events that lure Amy’s interest.  

Without Walls happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at about 10:00 AM until 1:30 PM. The trips are chauffeured by a Capitol Metro Access bus. The  goals of these outings are to support the artists’ interests and promote ways to advance their micro-business ventures.

Features and Benefits           

Since the voluntary field trips began, more artists have been participating and interest keeps growing. Without Walls serves around 15 to 20 clients a week. This creates opportunity for other artists by freeing up space in the studio, as well as allowing AmeriCorps members to give more individualized attention to those artists who remain behind.

Parents and guardians are always welcome to assist on the field trips.  The ratios are usually one Imagine Art staff (or AmeriCorps member) to every two clients.

Tuesday and Thursday mornings before the field trip, the group assembles out front of the Imagine Art studio on the picnic tables to set the day's intentions. They discuss what they will see or experience that day; make sure that everyone has been to the bathroom; check that everybody has their lunch and are appropriately dressed for the weather.

Without Walls has gifted admission for practically all field trips—meaning it’s all free. The only admission paid, so far, has been to the Thinkery. All kinds of places are visited every week: from the Blanton Museum of Art, the Contemporary Austin, Mexi-Arte, Laguna Gloria Sculpture Garden; to the smaller galleries like Neill-Cochran House Museum, Ellsworth Kelly’s Chapel, Wally Workman Gallery, Women and their Work to name just a few.

Amy keeps her eye on exhibitions for when they rotate. Exhibitions usually stay on about three months, then something new will start. At that time, the venue is put back on the list until it cycles through again.

Location

2830 Real Street
Austin, 78722, TX

Building Name or Description: Imagine Art Studio

Accessible Location: Yes

Details

Type of Organization	Nonprofit (501c3)
Categories	Faith-Based Ministries, Other
Services offered in Spanish?	No
Newsletter?	No
Child Care Available?	No
Age Range	15-21 , 22 and up
Disability Categories	Developmental Disability, Genetic or Congenital Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disability, Medical Condition, Mental Health Disorder, Physical Disability
Does this organization belong to all disabilities?	yes
This organization belongs to these diagnoses
Is this a statewide service?	No
Website	https://www.imagineart.net/
Contact Name
Email Address	[email protected]
Phone Number	512-448-1840

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