1973

“Gateway Crafts” is established by the Developmental Disabilities Unit of the Massachusetts Mental Health Center to provide day services for eight adults, as a response to the de-institutionalization of state schools.

1977

Rae Edelson assumes the role of Director of Gateway Arts, a position she will hold for 45 years

1978

Gateway Crafts becomes a component of the newly incorporated Vinfen, a leading non-profit provider of human services for New England.

1980

The program begins expanding services and moves from Allston to 62 Harvard Street in Brookline Village, Massachusetts.

1994

An additional 5,000 square feet of space are added to the program, accommodating an increased demand for services for people with psychiatric disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments.

1997

Additional studio space is developed at 58A Harvard Street, now known as Studio A, accommodating the growing needs of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to serve people with psychiatric disabilities.

A PBS Special featuring Gateway artist Bohill Wong wins an Emmy Award.

2000

Gateway Crafts expands further, opening a ground floor jewelry studio and a street level retail store at 60 Harvard Street.

A twelve member advisory committee of collectors, art professionals, philanthropists, and artist family members is established.

2001

Gateway Crafts is renamed Gateway Arts!

2022

Longtime Director Rae Edelson retires and is succeeded by our current Director, Gregory Liakos.

2023

Gateway Arts celebrate its fiftieth anniversary with a celebration at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

2024

Gregory Liakos, representing Gateway Arts, becomes a founding member of the Progressive Art Studio Alliance.

2025

Gateway Arts moves to our current location at 15 Station St. in Brookline MA.