Amid the rank and file of awnings, signage and storefronts that line Manchester Road in Maplewood, you’ll find a remarkable nonprofit art studio welcoming creatives of all walks. This is Artists First: a one-of-a-kind, inclusive space in St. Louis providing free art supplies, studio space and creative knowledge through grant-supported programs.
As a multimedia art studio, the practiced art forms are nearly as diverse as the artists themselves. Across 350 artists, the cohort works with clay, paint, sewing, jewelry, leather and other mediums. Here, diversity in people and talents isn’t just accepted, but celebrated.
Photo courtesy of Artists First
“Everyone belongs and everyone has talent and ability,” Suderwalla says. The nonprofit operates as an open studio for anyone who walks in, but also has specific programs geared toward individuals with disabilities, children navigating difficulties, individuals with memory loss and veterans.
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Often, people attach additional labels to artists based on certain characteristics – a woman artist or a disabled artist, for example, instead of just an artist. Suderwalla challenges this concept with her programs that provide a safe space for artists to express themselves without needing to explain themselves or their work. “We’re intentionally not an art therapy program,” Suderwalla says. “Our artists are artists. That’s how we would like to be identified. Why can’t we just be artists and appreciate the talent and creativity we bring to society?” ”
Brooke Lynn is an artist and a veteran who has found a home at Artists First. She moved to St. Louis from Detroit a few years ago and arrived in the city without any of her art supplies or a space to create. “They said there were [free] supplies,” Lynn says. “And if you tell someone like me that there is a space with art supplies and you have free range to just create whatever you want – you don’t have to tell me twice. They haven’t been able to get rid of me since.”
Photo courtesy of Artists First
Artists First gives individuals an outlet to create, explore and discover more about themselves and their work. “Everyone finds something for themselves here,” Lynn says. For the vets, there’s a lot of community. In a lot of spaces where we come together, it’s [to address] some sort of life issues. To find something that you enjoy outside of the military that speaks to you as a person, and then to be able to combine that with a community of people with similar experiences and backgrounds – it feels good to be able to cross those cultures for yourself.”
Photo courtesy of Artists First
According to Suderwalla, building community begins at the individual level, where Artists First gives each artist the freedom to creatively express themselves however they feel comfortable.
“We have seen a 98 percent sobriety rate for participating veterans,” Suderwalla says. “We have seen relationships heal and improve, we’ve seen a reduction in self-harming behaviors, and we see the beginning of a journey for many veterans.”
Artists First maintains an unflinching belief that it doesn’t matter how you come through the studio door; you’re accepted and welcomed. Inside the studio, you’ll see artists of all ages and walks of life working together to create something great – because art is something they all have in common.
Artists First is hosting its Veterans Program Exhibition on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Artists First Studio.
Artists First, 7190 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314-781-4440, artistsfirststl.org
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