Our Theory of Change
Through its visual arts studio program, NIAD gives people with disabilities the skills and experience to express themselves, be independent and earn income as an artist. This nurturing community of artists fosters experimentation, increases competence to make informed choices and increases connections among diverse communities through the commonality of creative expression.
Our Mission
NIAD promotes creative expression, independence, dignity and community integration for people with disabilities.
Our Vision
A unified community where everyone is included, and art makes the individual and their story visible.
Our Values
- Diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility
- Open, straightforward communication
- Support, respect, and safe spaces
- Our community and the opportunity to work together
- Environmental awareness and sustainability
- Artistic growth and hard work
- Exploration, change, taking risks, and failing forward
- Trust, mindfulness, and self-ownership
- The needs and perspectives of others
- Humor, fun, and joy!
Administration
Executive Director // Amanda Eicher
Programs Director // Arden Fredman
Community Programs Director // Ember Avalos
Art Marketing and Partnerships Director // Isabelle Zhang
Development Director // Rebecca Teague
Accessibility and Communications Specialist // Chrissie Bradley
Office Manager // Ingrid Alonso-Rodriguez
Administrative Coordinator // Tara Neuffer
Exhibitions and Collections Associate // Liliana Herrera
Gallery Manager // Julio Rodriguez
Development Associate // Maria Yates
Studio
23rd Street Studio Director // Liam Golden
Virtual Studio Director // Dawline-Jane Oni-Eseleh
Community Programs Manager // Shantanice Swain
Community Programs Manager // Terri Moore
Studio Facilitator // Andres Cisneros-Galindo
Studio Facilitator // Gabriel Garza
Studio Facilitator // Kieren Dutcher**
Studio Facilitator // Kim Huhta**
Studio Facilitator // Em Kettner
Studio Facilitator // Steen Kjorlie
Studio Facilitator // mara poliak
Studio Facilitator // Chelsea Smith
Studio Facilitator // Josh Solis
Studio Facilitator // Emma Spertus
Studio Facilitator // Bill Zindel
Studio Facilitator // Ocean Escalanti
Studio Facilitator and Community Programs Associate // Josh Vidal
**Funding for these positions is generously provided through a partnership with West Contra Costa Unified School District Adult Education.
Board of Directors
Chairperson // Pam Martin
Vice-Chairperson // Karen DiDomenicis
Treasurer // Jay Youngdahl
Secretary // Antonia Dapena-Tretter
Sarah Rothstein
Lauren Vassell
Lizeht Zepeda