Note: This Shop Small Mini-Spotlight is part of an ongoing series intended to promote local commerce over the 2018 holiday season.
Element of Art, located at 96 N. Main St. in downtown Mansfield, is much more than your standard art gallery. It is a haven of creativity for over 50 contracted artists with various developmental disabilities.
Element of Art began 9 years ago as a new venture through RNI Inc to provide a place for adults with developmental disabilities to come and simply create. Each person is hired as a contracted artist and is able to participate in classes teaching techniques in glass, pottery, painting, mixed media and jewelry. Recently, they have opened all of their classes to the general public and also offer private group classes by reservation.
Every piece of art created by one the artists is available for sale in the gallery, and each artist receives 50% of the profit from their artwork.
“The creativity is rampant in our contracted artists,” says Art Coordinator, Kathy Goodwin. “Every one of our artists has something that they love to do, and they’re so passionate about it. It’s so much fun to watch the light bulb come on and see their creativity go to work.”
Contracted Artist, Anne Wrobleski, shared how she didn’t consider herself much of an artist before she came to work at Element of Art. Now, she beams with pride seeing her pieces displayed in the studio.
“I feel great when someone buys my stuff,” says Wrobleski. “I feel pride knowing I made that and someone wants it!”
A quick glance around the gallery reveals a wide selection of paintings, jewelry, ornaments, Christmas cards and steampunk statues for sale. If you are still looking for that one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season, stop by their gallery Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to find what Goodwin calls “a gift with personality!”
