Studio program: Where dreams come true

If you or someone you know has a disability and would like to learn to create artwork as a vocation, Gateway Arts might be just the place!

Gateway is open to individuals who:

• Have mental retardation, autism, psychiatric disability, head injury, seizure disorder, visual impairment, learning or other disabilities
• Are least 18 years of age
• Have an interest in art/crafts and have appropriate hand skills
• Are able to work in a group setting with a 9:1 ratio (or can purchase our individualized services at an additional hourly rate)

 Professional training is available in:

• Art making: painting, drawing, sculpture, folk art
• Fibers: weaving, fabric painting, sewing
• Pottery: hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing
• Paper graphics: handmade and stamped cards & gift wrap
• Decorative crafts: jewelry, collage, papier mache
• Non-visual arts: creative writing, drama, movement, music, & puppetry

A typical day

For Artists Funded Through DMR: (Varies according to funding source)

Participants arrive, Monday- Friday, bright and early, soon after 8:30a.m., eager to start the day. Various means of transportation are used to bring artists to our sunny, handicapped accessible studio in Brookline Village. Many grab a cup of coffee before heading to the first of two areas where they will work during the day, until 10:30a.m. The small classes often have soft music playing in the background and quiet concentration and pleasant comraderie most often prevail.

A morning break from 10:30-11:00a.m. gives folks a chance to refuel and refresh with a walk in the neighborhood or simply by chatting with friends in the studio.

An hour-long lunch at noon is followed by a shorter afternoon work period from 1:00-2:45p.m. Artists with DMH or MRC funding have an alternative, intensive half day program with no breaks.

Variety is the rule, not the exception. Each day, artists often work in different areas, individually suited to their skills and interests, where they can expand their horizons and, hopefully, increase their earning potential. Most days end with a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction that comes from working to achieve one's goals.

Artist payment

Gateway artists receive pay on a piece-work basis as well as from design fees and royalties from multiples based on their original designs. Salary is based on sales and checks are mailed weekly.

Find out more

To read more about our artists and how Gateway has enhanced their lives, read our Participant Stories.