Our Artful Hearts Are Full!

Our Artful Hearts Are Full!

It takes all of us to make a gala.

We knew 2025 would be no ordinary year - and in the thick of the unpredictable, NIAD’s community came together for Artful like never before.

Through the gift of your presence and participation, you set records for raising funds and resources that are critical to NIAD artists’ success. And as a part of NIAD’s community of support - artists, families, staff members, donors, volunteers, first-time and long-time guests, and partners - you ensured that as we look toward the uncertainty of the future, NIAD and its artists will thrive.

To NIAD artist Marlon Mullen—the work you have done over nearly four decades at NIAD to raise visibility for artists with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and your artistic excellence as the first artist with developmental disabilities to exhibit in a solo exhibition at NY MoMA, is remarkable. It was an honor to celebrate you at Artful.

To our Keynote Speaker Ann Temkin—a shaper and creator of art worlds, we couldn’t have  imagined celebrating Marlon’s successes and marking this milestone year without you. In the words of our audience members, you embody inclusivity and vision in the arts. You have our deepest gratitude for making Artful - and this year in NIAD’s history - such a success.

To all NIAD artists—thank you for sharing your creativity and redefining what’s possible. Special thanks to all NIAD artists in attendance on Saturday, and to artist family members who ensure we all shine: Karen May, Maria Radilla, Shawn Sanders, MiaMya Dawson, Halisi Noel-Johnson, Julie Macdonald, Jonathan Valdivias, Heather Copus, Marlon Mullen, and Shantae Robinson. You made the party!

To Ben Choi—longtime NIAD Board Member and, as we now know, a fabulous emcee!