Art from the Heart showcases selected works from participants at Merrimack Hall, the Exceptional Foundation, and Studio by the Tracks. Through grants, the Council on the Arts has helped each organization fund arts programming (visual and performing) for neurodiverse populations ages 6 – 90+. The current exhibition is on display at the Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery through July 30.
While enjoying the exhibitions, please wear a mask or face covering and maintain a six-foot distance from others. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the gallery space for the convenience of visitors and staff.
Free and open to the public Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Visit us on the first floor of the RSA Tower, located in downtown Montgomery at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 110.
EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION OF EAST ALABAMA – The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama provides a program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These individuals meet regularly to experience a broad range of social, recreational, and educational activities designed to promote healthy living, support social relationships, explore the arts, improve functional skills, and foster community involvement. efofea.org
EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION – The Exceptional Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 1993 to serve individuals with special needs in the Greater Birmingham area by targeting social and recreational objectives not met by educational institutions or the community at large. The Exceptional Foundation currently serves over 700 individuals with special needs annually. We provide year-round social and recreational services for individuals ranging in age from 5 to 81. exceptionalfoundation.org
STUDIO BY THE TRACKS – Established in 1989, Studio by the Tracks of Irondale, AL, is a studio and gallery for adult artists with autism spectrum disorders. The studio provides a social network and a career path that enriches artists’ lives and betters the community. Artists receive 60% of any sale of their art works. The studio provides all services and materials to artists free of charge. studiobythetracks.org
MERRIMACK HALL – Merrimack Hall houses The Happy Headquarters, a visual and performing arts program for children, teens, and adults with special needs. These programs drastically improve the quality of life for people with special needs, as Merrimack Hall works toward bringing the people they serve out of the shadows and into the life of the community. More than 500 people with special needs participate in Merrimack Hall’s Happy HeARTs Programs, which offers year-round arts education, social and cultural opportunities to children, teens, and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. merrimackhall.com
EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION GULF COAST – Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast provides social and recreational opportunities for the special needs community of Baldwin and Mobile Counties. The Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast provides for a diverse group of disabilities and their levels of functionality. The organization seeks to enhance the lives of its participants through its activities such as field trips, Special Olympics, art, daily exercise, and music. exceptionalfoundationgc.org
For additional information, please contact: Amy Jenkins, Visual Arts Program Manager and Manager of the Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery, 334-242-5150 or by email at amy.jenkins@arts.alabama.gov.