It’s been almost five years since we were on the cover of the Colleton River STROLL magazine. Our mission remains the same - integrate artists with disabilities into the lowcountry arts community. We have remained faithful to that mission, and grown our cadre of artists from 2 to 8 permanent artists. Our home at 33 Bow Circle is 3,000 Square feet of dedicated space where our artists, visiting artists and friends from peer programs and students from the Special Education program at HHI High School can gather. We started with a focus on pottery, and have added four weaving looms, painting, and a fused glass studio that also explores stained glass projects.

In 2021 we started participating in markets and events, participating in an average of 40 events a year. In 2025 we are on track to exceed that number three fold thanks to an amazing group of volunteers, and powerful creative artists. 

Some things have remained the same. We are very pleased that our Art Director is still Kara Artman. Her expertise and energy are central to her success! Our studio Manager is Kalen Wolfe. She brings years of experience as an art teacher across a number of systems and is central to helping the artists discern what they want to accomplish, which is key in a progressive studio. We have discovered that we are what is called a progressive studio which the MoMA website defines as art studios that champion artists with disabilities in developing their artistic practices and pursuing self-sustaining careers. Like Creative Growth, in Oakland California, we are “guided by the principle that art is fundamental to human expression.” We also remain committed to the words of Ai Weiwei; ““Expressing oneself is a part of being human. To be deprived of a voice is to be told you are not a participant in society; ultimately it is a denial of humanity.”

Even as a 501c3 we are a business. We are members of the HHI Chamber of Commerce and have an active presence at local markets, festivals and art shows. We have had our artists juried into shows and received awards. Our goal over the next few years is to, by the work of our artists, original or branded items, generate enough revenue to ensure the longevity of our program.

We are thrilled with our progress and hope to see you at a market soon, or come on by 33 Bow Circle M-F between 10 and 3, we love visitors!