Art a'La Mode - The Vision

You may have noticed the name Art a'La Mode associated with my artwork. My son Andrew came up with this name, when we started talking about how we may be able to give back, and what we'd call the business. 

I see this cute little two story cottage (it’s blue with white trim, a picket fence and a nice big wooden porch) sitting on the edge of main street in a quaint little artsy tourist town. An arbor covered with flowering vine beckons you to enter, while a wooden sign gently sways in the breeze. The words, “Art a’La Mode” tell you that waiting inside, is comfort for the soul. Yard art adorns flower beds, metal sculptures grace the manicured, front yard. A flagstone path winds through a park like setting and invites you to relax in a  gazebo and continues on to the steps of the home.  Inside, the front rooms are filled with the scent of cappacino and ice cream. A few tables and chairs sit in “the parlor” where patrons are enjoying some ice cream or coffee. The other room is filled with quirky artisan crafts and artwork. The back rooms are loaded with art supplies, work tables and easels. A kiln is in another room with shelves full of pottery ready to be fired. In the evening, a small band sets up in the gazebo. Locals and tourists alike pull up a piece of grass and relax in the night air, listening to the music being played...


This isn't just an ice cream store, or coffee shop, or even an art gallery for that matter. Sure, that's what it looks like on the outside. On the inside though, it's hope, encouragement, and a step into the future for kids with mental illness. Here, at-risk teens will be given the opportunity to work in an environment that is understanding of their unique personalities. Creativity will be encouraged, even rewarded. Family support groups will be held in the form of creative workshops, bridging the communication gap and creating unity in the family unit. Scholarship money will be raised to give a creative student an opportunity to further their education. Artwork sold here, will be consignment based, and created by people with mental illness or by those who support mental health issues. 


Yes, although this may only be a dream, to me it's a vision of a better future for many kids plagued with an illness that do not receive the support they desperately need. 


In 2007, I attempted to start a non-profit organization and called it Artrageous Minds. I'm not sure what I was thinking - a single mom, barely making enough money to make ends meet, trying to start a nonprofit. Alone? (shakes her head) Life took a couple of nasty turns and I had to let that go. But my vision has not faded. Every day I look at my son, and every day I'm reminded that there are millions of children and families out there who are suffering through this illness. I've begun to share the vision again, and I'm finding people who wish to help. We're venturing into yet another new year. Perhaps 2011 will be the year that big doors will open, making the dream a reality.


I've been spending the last few months helping to launch a new local art guild and gallery. With the help and support of the guild, we'll be able to hold some creative workshops. It's not the blue cottage with the gazebo, but it's a start.