Our MissionNIAD promotes creative expression, independence, dignity and community integration for and with people with disabilities. “Both at NIAD and online I’m inspired by others all the time. By their creativity, and use of color. They all help inspire me to create new projects throughout the week. The teachers are very patient and helpful in supporting these dreams. The students also assist me, when my mind is blank, with new ideas to create.” Samantha Kershnar, NIAD Artist From Amanda Eicher, NIAD Art Center’s Executive Director In its 40th year, NIAD is returning to life in-person, even as we have learned Read More …

I am a multi-material artist. I enjoy fiber, printmaking, drawing, sculpting with both polymer and ceramic clay. I have trouble with my vision when it comes to small details and I identify as she/her.  I started out at NIAD as a new artist and over time I have tried different types of art. At NIAD I like to work with Bill Zindel in printmaking, Nan Collymore in fiber and Chelsea Smith in ceramics. The studio facilitators help me learn new things. I like making different types of art for people in my life and myself, such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces Read More …

Carlota Rodriguez is a lifelong Richmond resident with a large family from El Salvador who have supported her art practice. While embracing a strong sense of the handmade, Carlota Rodriguez’s paintings and drawings draw on the history of geometric abstraction as well as recent formalism. Carlota says, “when I paint I like to focus my mind on it. I like to focus on my favorite shapes like flowers and faces. When I’m working the colors come to me naturally and I just go with the flow”. — Carlota Rodriguez ha sido residente de Richmond toda su vida y tiene una Read More …

We love our artists. You will, too. Simply click on an artist’s name to learn more about their practice, browse their available artworks, and view their exhibition history and media coverage. Enjoy! Hacer Acma Shana Harper Jason Powell-Smith Saul Alegria Peter Harris Maria Radilla Sebastian Alvarez James Heartsill Dorian Reid Fabian Arias Shirley How Shantae Robinson Mireya Betances Rachel Huber Carlota Rodriguez Vanessa Bravo Rebecca Jantzen Xiomara Rosales Jeremy Burleson Christopher Jimenez-Lopez Jesus Salas Miguel Chacon Samantha Kershnar Alice Sampson Deatra Colbert Shawna Kinard Shawn Sanders Heather Copus Nathan Lam Esmeralda Silva Jamie Leingang Dre’An Cox Donzell Lewis Tre’von Silva Evelyn Read More …