Able ARTS Work empowers individuals with developmental & intellectual disabilities through creative engagement by providing therapeutic, vocational, & educational art & music services. We believe music & art are vital tools to liberate & transform the lives of all people. Using evidence-based practices & range of creative arts therapies, our instructors & therapists assist service users to reach their individual social, educational, vocational & developmental goals. Our outreach programs support arts education for youth of all abilities & offer opportunities for accessible music & art education to the community at large. Our goal is to spark social change by unifying the community under a common interest: CREATIVITY.
Since 1982, Able ARTS Work has provided adult day services for people with moderate to severe intellectual & developmental disabilities & autism through:
Meet a Resident Artist of Able ARTS Work:
"I feel confident & comfortable here at Able ARTS Work. I have learned so many skills from the many different classes. When I do Noise Band, I get to play the keyboard & sing - which is my favorite thing to do. It makes me feel elated & overjoyed. I love performing but love it when I get to do it with my peers. When we record in Noise Band, I love making the arrangements ... choosing what instruments should be in it or not to make it sound the best it can be. I really like the whole kit & caboodle. I want to be here until I am 103!" - Kristin, AAW Resident Artist
Able ARTS Work provides tailored, in-home adaptive skills training through creative arts therapy & education for adults with developmental disabilities.
Through the Mobile Arts Program, participants:
Meet a Client of the Mobile Arts Program:
"...It (MAP) was a blessing...The instructor taught her how to hold a pencil, how to draw...She really likes to paint, for example, to paint lakes, mountains, flowers, things like that - anything from nature... & my daughter began to talk & talk & she started to sing. She also started to articulate her words more because before she was unable to say "mama". This program has helped her immensely. I think the instructors they have here, are the some of the best... it is a real help for me...It makes me feel at ease as a mother..." - Parent of Mobile Arts Program Client
The Able ARTS Work gallery features original artwork & handmade items designed by resident artists. Our gallery was founded in the spirit of social inclusion, entrepreneurship & enterprise; to provide a creative space for artists, a place to be gainfully employed, & advocate for learning & personal growth to benefit the greater community.
Through the AAW Gallery, artists are provided :
Meet the Artists & Staff of the AAW Gallery :
"Exhibitions is an important part of the work we do at Able ARTS Work... we provide artists meaningful opportunities to be celebrated & earn commission showcasing work in our gallery or in community spaces & galleries. We create inclusive spaces that breakdown barriers in the arts & foster community through showcasing our resident artists alongside community artists. Many emerging artists have their first exhibition experience with us, gaining confidence & exposure, leading them to future opportunities in the arts." - Jennifer, Exhibitions Coordinator
"I have participated in multiple group shows, sold work, & made so many meaningful connections with others in the disability community. They (Able ARTS Work) continue to nurture & encourage me as an artist, having provided me with the confidence to keep on this path...while also challenging me at times to step outside my comfort zone... I am so very grateful that this organization exists to create a space for this community..." - Kristin, Community Artist
The primary mission of Able ARTS Work is to provide lifelong learning, community service and vocational opportunities through the creative arts for people of all abilities and all ages in an environment of warmth, encouragement and inclusion. Able ARTS Work provides unique development opportunities to all participating staff, students and partnering community members, together we grow.
Organization name
Able ARTS Work
Tax id (EIN)
95-3658291
Operating Budget
Large ($1,000,000+)
Mission Category
Arts & Culture, Education, Individuals with Special Needs, Civic & Community Engagement, Mental Health
City Council District
District 8
Address
3839 Atlantic AvenueLong Beach, CA, US
Hawthorne, CA, US
San Diego, CA, US