Art all weekend---for a great cause

“Some folks like galas. We like to do something a little different,” says Arts Unbound director Margaret Mikkelsen. Arts Unbound provides coaching to artists with disabilities, along with fine art instruction for everyone. Four years ago, the nonprofit created ArtBender, an annual series of creative fundraisers that happen over one weekend in May. Events include an art-making marathon that goes late into the night, private house parties, neighborhood block parties, and public art projects.

ArtBender 2018 kicks off Saturday May 5th but the fundraising has already started. The fundraising goal this year is $50,000, which will be used to provide coaching to artists with disabilities who are trying to forge careers in the arts. “We get pretty competitive,” says artist coach Celene Ryan. “Last year I raised over $400, but I’d like to hit at least $1,000 this year.” Eager fundraisers can create a fundraising page at www.artbender.org and collect donations from friends and family. Participants often trade art for donations, promising each donor a token of appreciation created during ArtBender weekend. Ryan gave each of her donors a playful drawing last year.

Supporters can also host their own ArtBender events. Last year’s line-up had over a dozen events, including portrait sessions by a professional photographer, upcycling t-shirts with a fashion designer, a poet providing poetry on demand, painting rocks for installation at a public celebration garden, and a figure drawing session. Events can be private or open to the public. Arts Unbound provides a toolkit with tips and ideas for hosts.

Local businesses are encouraged to participate, and a new twist has been added this year: a style competition for barbers and hair stylists. Competitors will complete their entries during the weekend of May 5-6 and submit them on Instagram with hashtag #artbenderstyle. Winners will be announced May 9. Categories and full details are at www.tinyurl.com/artbenderstyle.

One weekend just is not enough fun for this group. The capstone for ArtBender is a silent auction and cocktail party on Friday May 11th. Thirty pieces of art created during ArtBender weekend will be auctioned off in the Arts Unbound gallery while guests enjoy cocktails, cupcakes, and dancing at an event sponsored by Natalie Farrell of Weichart Realtors. Tickets for $20 are available at artbender.org.

Arts Unbound is motivated by the principle that art is for all, and that’s true for ArtBender too. “You do not need to be an artist to take part,” explains Mikkelsen. “The point is to dedicate a period of time to being creative and thinking about the role the arts play in all our lives.”

Arts Unbound’s coaching program helps artists develop portfolios, promote their work, and develop their business skills. Program participants are adults with mental illness, chronic illness, or developmental or physical disabilities, including cognitive impairment, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and brain trauma.

Arts Unbound is also trying to change assumptions about the kind of work that is suitable for people with disabilities. People with developmental disabilities in particular are often directed to sheltered workshops, not encouraged to pursue meaningful careers in the arts. Arts Unbound believes that everyone should be able to pursue their chosen vocation and seeks to eliminate the barriers that stand in their way. By exhibiting high-quality fine art by artists with disabilities in their Montclair store and their gallery in Orange, they are countering some of the stigma associated with disability.

Visit the event website at www.artbender.org to donate or find an event. To learn more about Arts Unbound, visit www.artsunbound.org.