Shop Art by ADEC store, Support client opportunities

Have you been searching for the perfect gift for your friend’s birthday? Or maybe there’s a blank spot on your wall for a piece of meaningful art? As of Wednesday, October 5, Elkhart’s newest shopping destination – the Art by ADEC store – will be open for business with its unique blend of artwork. And the best part is, each purchase goes toward supporting ADEC clients as they pursue their personal dreams of employment and entrepreneurship.

With woodworking, baking, painting, ceramics, jewelry and custom cards, the Art by ADEC store stocks quality, handmade items with a meaningful cause. Stop by ADEC’s Bristol campus at 19670 State Road 120, Bristol, IN 46507 to check out the variety of art in stock now.

In each of ADEC’s five day service locations, people with developmental and intellectual disabilities work with dedicated and skilled staff members to complete high-quality art projects on a daily basis. Each day service location has found its creative niche, guided by the creative talents of staff and clients alike. This form of social enterprise has become one of ADEC’s signature contributions to the Elkhart community.

For many clients who attend ADEC’s day services, creating art pieces, baking dog bones or assembling woodwork projects is their every day job. Kayla Simmons, Team Leader at Middlebury Day, regularly asks clients, “What is your job?” They’ll respond right away with, “I’m an artist.” As Kayla says, “They take a lot of pride in it.”

For each piece of art sold, 50 percent of the proceeds go to the artists involved. The remaining 50 percent goes toward funding ADEC’s art programs so more people can learn to use their creativity and gain enjoyment from painting, making jewelry, etching wood and decorating wine bottles.

“I want each person to take ownership of their work and know that they did the art, not me,” ADEC’s Art Team Leader Ashley Martin says of ADEC’s art philosophy. “The clients always have more pride in their work and feel accomplished when they can say without a doubt that this is their artwork.”

Want to support the Art by ADEC store?

Attend our Art by ADEC: Store Grand Opening on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. as the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce performs the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Stop by anytime Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to browse and find your new favorite addition.