ArtLifting
ArtLifting
Transforming Lives Through Art
Founded in 2013 by siblings Liz and Spencer Powers, ArtLifting, is a for-profit benefit corporation that empowers artists impacted by homelessness or disabilities by connecting them with opportunities to sell their artwork. Liz, a social worker, developed the company's concept while running art groups at homeless shelters and disability centers around Boston. She noticed many people in these communities had artistic talent and were creating exceptional artwork. Yet, they were going unnoticed, their work unappreciated and discarded. Along with her sibling, she realized the potential for art to provide not only a source of income for people in these marginalized communities but also a sense of purpose and empowerment. Says Liz Powers, ArtLifting Co-Founder and CEO, "People in need don't want a handout, they want the opportunity to change their lives."
Headquartered in Boston, ArtLifting partners with artists from all across the U.S. and enables them to earn an income, find housing, and re-establish a sense of dignity and self-worth. Artwork is displayed and sold through their online marketplace and caters to individual buyers, corporate clients, and interior designers. Every artist earns 55% of the profit from the sale of their work. 1% goes to a fund providing art supplies to art groups nationwide. ArtLifting utilizes the remaining 44% to further its mission of providing a supportive community for artists to learn, connect, and grow. The organization helps artists with licensing agreements, commissions, collaborations, and partnerships with retailers like West Elm and Area Environments. These partnerships connect artists with a broader audience and expand their reach beyond local art shows and galleries.
While ArtLifting artists hail from various corners of the US, the following are local to our IIDA New England Chapter:
CONNECTICUT | Olivia D’Addario
Olivia D’Addario, of Easton, Connecticut, is living on the Autism Spectrum and is semi-verbal. As a result, her artwork has evolved as an alternative means of communication and a tool to calm herself. She uses non-traditional tools to create focused, minimalist compositions driven by rhythm and repetition. Proceeds earned from the sale of her work support Liv It Up, an organization founded by her family that supports adults living with neuro-diversity.
MAINE | Tim Henning
Living with chronic and sometimes debilitating depression, Tim Henning of Searsport, Maine, uses art as therapy. Working almost exclusively in acrylics, visual experiences like nature, streets, or television inspire his use of color and form. As a member of the ArtLifting community, he enjoys an increased sense of self-worth associated with selling his art and claims, “Making art is the most life-affirming thing I do.”
MASSACHUSETTS | Lisa Murphy
Born and raised in Boston, Lisa has faced significant challenges in her life, dealing with homelessness and mental health issues. Through involvement with ArtLifting, she has found an outlet to express herself and regain a sense of purpose and identity. Her work is vibrant and expressive, which reflects her passion for disability rights and the support of the black and LGBTQ+ community.
NEW HAMPSHIRE | Harry Shields
Harry Shields of Atkinson, New Hampshire, faces challenges due to autism, making it difficult for him to keep up with the fast pace of life. He’s found inspiration in painting and focuses on subjects that bring him joy. He says, “Usually I paint something that reminds me of a good memory.” Through ArtLifting, Harry aspires to earn an income that allows him to live independently and support his passion for animal rights.
RHODE ISLAND | Rhi Wilde
As a self-taught artist, Rhi's work serves as a poignant expression of her transformative journey, which saw her conquering self-esteem challenges, battling depression, and breaking free from an abusive marriage that had once led her to seek refuge in a homeless shelter. Her connection with ArtLifting, facilitated by Crossroads, a prominent organization dedicated to providing housing and support for those facing homelessness in Rhode Island, has played a pivotal role in assisting Rhi in regaining her stability and securing housing. Today, her art radiates with luminosity, motion, and a sense of joy.
VERMONT | Jefuri
A resident of Burlington, Vermont, Jefuri finds inspiration in the inner tranquility art creation provides him. He works in the encaustic medium, traditionally incorporating beeswax and damar resin. While he has experienced homelessness and lives with a disability, he hopes his involvement with ArtLifting will allow him to live, work, and nurture himself with art.
As the interior design industry shifts its focus toward becoming more equitable, diverse, and inclusive, ArtLifting can play a pivotal role. By incorporating socially responsible art in projects, designers can create engaging and impactful spaces for their clients while empowering marginalized communities.
Interested in reading more? Check out this article about ArtLifting from Interior Design magazine.
Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Katie Corcoran Garcia is officially LIVE!! On this show, we’ll share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design.
Check out the latest episode here!
Stay tuned for the next President’s Message!
Be sure to check in with the IIDA New England calendar for upcoming events (both virtual and in-person) offered in our community. Here's a sneak peek at some upcoming events:
IIDA 25th Annual Fashion Show // Thursday, November 9 *IN PERSON
IIDA NE Holiday Cookie Decorating // Thursday, November 16 *IN PERSON
IIDA NE Breakfast + Bills // Friday, November 17 *IN PERSON
Also, be sure to keep an eye on our IIDA New England job postings, which are updated regularly!
Check out the list of IIDA New England Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) Class of 2022 and the Leadership Exploration & Development (LEAD) Class of 2022!
Do you have an idea that you would like to share with the design community or see highlighted here in The Wire? Share your ideas here.
Stay tuned for the next Sponsor Spotlight!
Follow IIDA New England on social media and visit our website to keep up with the latest and greatest!
