Art Alliance  brings Peckham Team Members and Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center’s exhibiting and teaching artists together in the gallery space with a two-part goal: First, to eliminate barriers in the arts by providing a safe, supportive atmosphere in which Team Members can learn how to experience and creatively engage with visual art and professional artists in a gallery setting; and second, to provide professional artists and arts organizations with opportunities to connect with and learn from people with disabilities so that they may deepen their understanding of accessible and inclusive practices, programming and strategic planning

Peckham Inc. is a nonprofit organization, provides job training and competitive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The name honors former State of Michigan Rehabilitation Services Director, Ralf A. Peckham. Peckham has grown into one of the largest vocational community rehabilitation programs in the state of Michigan.

Peckham provides people with physical, cognitive, behavioral and socio-economic challenges, a platform to demonstrate their ability, learn new skills, participate in work and enjoy the rewards of their success. Greater self-confidence and improved self-image are gained as clients strive to reach their full potential.

For more information on the Arts Has No Barriers program please contact Education Director, Michelle Carlson at michelle@lansingartgallery.org.

Pen Pal Art

Pen Pal Art is a collaborative art process between artist and student. Each “before” image is the piece that was begun by Michigan artist Tom Tomasek.

Tomasek initiated a drawing of a simple landscape, using oil pastels. The landscape was then mailed to the Art Alliance student who completed the landscape using their own idea of what that landscape should be.

Art Alliance brings together Peckham Team Members and Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center’s exhibiting and teaching artists in the gallery space with a two-part goal:

1. To eliminate barriers in the arts by providing a safe, supportive atmosphere in which Team Members can learn how to experience and creatively engage with visual art and professional artists in a gallery setting;

2. To provide professional artists and arts organizations with opportunities to connect with and learn from people with disabilities so that they may deepen their understanding of accessible and inclusive practices, programming and strategic planning.