Our founder Barbara Wilson was working as part of the management team for a large retail store. She got to know many of the customers as they came into the store each week. Some customers were differently abled and had "staff" (the title has changed to Direct Support Professional or DSP for short) to help them when they needed it. After finding out there was a shortage in this field she decided to take a part time job to help out.
Her childhood dream was reawaken as she learn more about the plight of people with developmental disabilities and of the DSPs who worked with them. With limited funds and staffing for day to day services, taking classes or seeking other interests wasn't an option for many to try. As a child she witness what people could do when the opportunity to try new things was offered.
She decided it was time for her dream for a studio that welcomed everyone to be developed.
Barbara believes that everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves by exploring visual art and nature. And that people’s physical and emotional wellbeing can be greatly affected when their creativity is stifled. Barbara started teaching classes in her home and in community centers. She also developed From the Heart Studio & Gardens. Working together we build and grow the studio, as we continue the dream and look forward to our years ahead.
We incorporated in May of 2000. The dream started many years ago when a child sat in her mother's ceramic studio. She loved to watch,as
man who saw with his hands, fashioned clay into award winning sculptures. She decided that some day she would have a studio where people of all abilities could come and discover their own
individual talent. And their personal finances would not get it the way.
A Dream Was Born
