Art Bias and One Step Beyond partner to foster inclusivity in the arts for adults with intellectual disabilities

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Art Bias, the largest artist studio on the Peninsula, has partnered with One Step Beyond, Inc. (OSBI) to bring inclusive art opportunities to adults with intellectual disabilities. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring equal access to the arts, recognizing the transformative power of creative expression for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Empowering through art

One Step Beyond has a long history of empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to achieve independence, find employment, and engage socially within their communities. The organization’s mission is centered on inclusivity, providing comprehensive programs that cater to a wide array of interests and needs. However, for many participants, access to resources in the visual and performing arts has been limited—until now.

Through this new partnership with Art Bias, participants at One Step Beyond are being introduced to a vibrant world of artistic possibilities. Art Bias, located in San Carlos, draws artists from across San Mateo County, including areas like Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside. The studio’s commitment to inclusivity aligns perfectly with One Step Beyond’s vision, making this collaboration a natural fit.

A space for growth and expression

At the heart of this partnership are the art instructor-led classes hosted at Art Bias. These classes, taught by professional artists, offer participants the chance to work with various mediums, including drawing, painting, and mosaics. For many, this is their first opportunity to engage deeply with the arts, and the impact is profound. The classes not only allow participants to express their feelings and thoughts but also help enhance self-esteem, self-awareness, and communication skills. The experience of working with professional artists who encourage them to tell their stories in their own unique ways is invaluable.

According to OSBI’s Director of California Programs Taylor Buttrey, “We are really excited that our participants have this opportunity to work with professional artists that have deep knowledge in their field. They can dive in and explore opportunities, including participating in art exhibitions, job opportunities, and more.”

Art Bias: A legacy of inclusivity and community impact

Art Bias, a non-profit organization, has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area art community for over 30 years. Founded in 1993 as the Redwood City Art Center, the organization has evolved into a vibrant hub for artists and the broader community. After relocating to San Carlos in 2016 and rebranding as Art Bias, the organization has continued to expand its reach, offering subsidized studio spaces, professional development events, and a variety of community engagement programs.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Terra Fuller, Art Bias has actively sought ways to become more inclusive. The organization’s mission is to create an environment where diverse artists have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. This mission has driven Art Bias to develop programs that reach unrepresented voices, including at-promise youth, seniors living in low-income residences, and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

“Art Bias is really looking for ways to get more involved in the community and demonstrate how artists are improving the world around us,” Fuller says. “When I heard about One Step Beyond, I instantly knew our artists would love working with their participants.”

A dynamic and inclusive arts education

The classes at Art Bias are structured to ensure participants from One Step Beyond receive a rich and varied arts education. 

Each month, a different artist leads the art classes, allowing One Step Beyond participants to explore different techniques and materials. From pastels to mosaics, the participants are exposed to a broad spectrum of artistic mediums, each offering unique opportunities for creative expression.

“Participants take classes at our studio once a week, which provides a stimulating environment filled with art and creativity,” says Menlo Park resident and Art Bias artist Renata Aryanti. “The participants see artwork in the hallways and artists stop in to see what’s going on in the class. It’s a wonderful environment.”

The impact of art on intellectual disabilities

The benefits of art for individuals with intellectual disabilities are well-documented. Art can help build fine motor and problem-solving skills, enhance communication and expression, promote self-esteem, and provide a means for creative expression. 

“For many, art is healing and meditative, offering a space for free and creative exploration that can be deeply therapeutic,” says Woodside resident and Art Bias instructor artist Dorothy North. “I love that I am able to help the participants develop their artistic skills and help them to gain confidence and motivation to succeed in other areas of their lives. Our program emphasizes the importance of storytelling, so I get to help encourage participants to share their unique perspectives through their art. The results are amazing.”

Sustaining the partnership

The partnership is funded through Dragonfly Community Arts, an organization dedicated to providing free art opportunities to underserved populations. This funding covers the costs of instructors, materials, and space, ensuring the program’s sustainability. Each quarter, Art Bias submits a proposal to Dragonfly Community Arts to secure continued funding, with the aim of maintaining the program indefinitely.

“The support from Dragonfly has really made it an ongoing partnership instead of something that might fizzle out as happens when artists are asked to donate their time over the long term,” Fuller says. “The artists we work with are paid for their time and materials, and this allows us to attract a diverse group of instructors who are eager to participate.”

Looking ahead

As the partnership between Art Bias and One Step Beyond continues to grow, both organizations are committed to evaluating and improving the program. The goal is to ensure that participants are truly benefiting from their experiences and that the program remains aligned with best practices in arts education for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Ultimately, this collaboration is a testament to the power of art to bring people together, break down barriers, and create meaningful change. By providing adults with intellectual disabilities access to high-quality arts education, Art Bias and One Step Beyond are helping to build a more inclusive and vibrant community for all.

For more information about One Step Beyond and its programs, visit https://osbi.org/. To learn more about Art Bias and its mission, visit https://artbias.org/.