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!
NIAD is a registered 501(c)3 (94-2837552)
Read NIAD Art Center’s Annual Report 2021/2022
Lea el Informe anual del Centro de Arte NIAD 2021/2022
Administration
Executive Director // Amanda Eicher
Programs Director // Arden Fredman
Community Programs Director // Ember Avalos
Development Director // Rebecca Teague
Administrative Director // Ingrid Alonso-Rodriguez
Construction Manager // Matt Dostal
Accessibility & Communications Specialist // Chrissie Bradley
Administrative Coordinator // Tara Neuffer
Exhibitions & Collections Specialist // Liliana Herrera
Gallery Manager // Julio Rodriguez
Development Associate // Maria Yates
Grant Programs Developer // Zoya Kocur
Studio
23rd Street Studio Director // Liam Golden
Virtual Studio Director // Dawline-Jane Oni-Eseleh
Community Studio Manager // Shantanice Swain
Community Studio Manager // Terri Moore
Studio Facilitator // Andrés Cisneros-Galindo
Studio Facilitator & Community Programs Assistant // Gabriel Garza
Studio Facilitator // Kieren Dutcher*
Studio Facilitator // Kim Huhta*
Studio Facilitator // Em Kettner
Studio Facilitator // Steen Kjorlie
Studio Facilitator // Chelsea Smith
Studio Facilitator // Josh Solis
Studio Facilitator // Emma Spertus
Studio Facilitator // Bill Zindel
Studio Facilitator & Community Programs Assistant // Ocean Escalanti
Studio Facilitator // Jovi Vidal
Studio Facilitator // Erin McCluskey Wheeler
Board of Directors
Board of Directors Chairperson // Alexandra McFarland
Vice-Chairperson // Pam Martin
Treasurer // Jay Youngdahl
Secretary // Craig Goodman
Ben Choi
Nicole Ferdinando
Karen DiDomenicis
Ann Mercogliano
Lauren Vassell
Lizeht Zepeda
Joey Enos
Substitute Studio Facilitators
Lauren Ari
Sarah Bowser
Leticia Javier
Kate Laster
Marie Muscardini
Christine Shields
Tiara Bhatacharya
Lena Gustafson
Steph Kudisch
Cora Lautze
Maggie Preston
Chinzalée Sonami
*Funding for these positions is generously provided through a partnership with West Contra Costa Unified School District Adult Education.