The Mission of EMARC's Center for Emerging Artists is to encourage the creativity within, and promote the talents of, artists with disabilities.

The Center welcomes individuals who would like to explore their artistic talents with the support of the Center's professional staff. Individuals may participate on either a full or part time basis. Arts assessments are available.

Mediums explored at the Center include watercolor and acrylic painting on paper and canvas, decorative furniture painting, jewelry making, ceramics and holiday gift items.

In addition to fostering the development of artistic skills, the Center is involved in the marketing of completed artworks. This marketing includes sales to the general public through the Center at 20-24 Gould Street, Reading; through art exhibitions and through local gift shops. Available artwork changes seasonally and includes paintings, greeting cards, furniture, Jewelry, T-shirts and more.

The art mediums chosen for the Center are based on input from the program participants and their families. The results are extraordinary: works of art that may be appreciated for their fine art quality and for the joy of expression they bring to the artists.

The Center is supported by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disabilities, private foundations and individual donors.

See our artists and their work

For additional information, please call Center for Emerging Artists Director, Amy Ruiter at  (781) 942.5655, Ext. 5037 or aruiter@theemarc.org