Episode 19: Marc talks with Liam Golden of the NIAD Art Center

Located in the heart of Richmond, the NIAD Art Center employs a staff of artists with masters degrees in fine arts, working with over 60 artists with disabilities to create, display and sell all sorts of different kinds of modern and contemporary art. By creating a warm and welcoming sense of community, NIAD gives their artists a taste of true independence and confidence by showing them that art truly has no bounds. Today, I am joined by Liam Golden, the NIAD Studio Manager who for the past 4 plus years has lent his assistance to NIADs diverse collection of artists. Facebook: http://bit.ly/2xNO3az Website: http://niadart.org/ Getting started: Grew up in San Francisco Imaginative as a child, brother involved in art, family supportive Enjoyed the diversity in San Francisco Art Museums Exposure to a lot of different kinds of art Before getting into art Worked in a food truck, met mentor Encouraged to get involved with art NIAD Art Center Founded in 1982 by the Katz Family to provide opportunities for adults with disabilities at a professional level Started as a research wing Why Richmond Unique culture Lifting people up Staff Started as a volunteer, became a substitute teacher, eventually full-time instructor Hard to find experience elsewhere The Artist All over Contra Costa County Social workers help adults find NIAD Vary in experience Contemporary Art Anything made now Art today does not require traditional structural education Selling/ Displaying the art Gallery on sight Relationships w/ other galleries nationwide Gives artists exposure Half of sales done online- international sales Why people with disabilities Katz felt it was something needed Create a strong sense of family Some artists are bringing in big money Therapy Not in the traditional sense/ this is a professional studio Power is with the artists Therapeutic just like any other activity could be Studio space All material provided Classes twice per week Projects and Breakthrough moments Art styles Developing a style New input from artists every 4 months Funding Non-profit Donations, artists pay to be there Fundraiser in March Exhibitions every 2nd Saturday- snacks and drinks provided The Witnesses- new exhibition opens on Nov. 3 Wrap/ Contact info