The F.R.E.E. Strategy

The F.R.E.E Strategy is a process by which we serve the artists within various programs. Once an artist is placed into a program for direct service, the staff engage the F.R.E. E. process. The process builds upon a foundation and includes;

Finding artists willing to engage in authenitic community. In order to restore, equip and establish, we know that we must have a strong relationship of trust and accountability. This takes place during events that facilitate fellowship, such as the monthly breakfast, community meals and field trips. Staff intentionally builds relationship with each artist and encourages peer to peer relationships to develop.

Restoring artists to abundant living
Imagine Art restores artists by helping them confront their roots of rejection, depression, and isolation through biblically centered counseling. We recognize that artists struggling with hunger, homelessness, medication issues, or other debilitating circumstances will benefit from a season of 'restoration' to rebuild and restore broken areas. After completing a thorough assessment of needs, artists are given information and referral to local resources (food banks, counseling centers, etc.).

Equipping artists to professionally access the arts
Imagine Art equips artists with by providing access to our fine arts studio, artistic direction, commercial art services, technical center, job placement and small business services. Services empower the artist to create a body of work that represents their talents while developing marketing materials that promote their art. Artists learn to identify and access exhibits, galleries and other income producing opportunities in the arts.

Establishing artists as contributing members of the arts community
Imagine Art supports the artist to find their place in the arts community. Artists are encouraged to participate, volunteer and work in the arts. To be established is to be well-rooted, firmly planted and giving and receiving in a way that best fits the artist. The Career Palette Coordinator supports job placement and small business development. Our Exhibit Coordinator assist the artists to secure exhibit opportunities and gallery representation. Peer to peer mentorships build relationships that foster long term support, empowering the artist for greater success.

Vision
Imagine Art is a Christian ministry that is on mission to transform the lives of artists with disabilities. Our vision is God glorified through the restored lives of artists with disabilities.

History
Debbie Boyd Kizer founded Imagine Art in 1997 in an effort to reclaim her life after a long struggle with depression and addiction. Imagine Art became the perfect channel for her passions, contributions, talents and ambitions.

Services were first provided in October 1998 under the fiscal management of The Austin Visual Arts Association and later VSA Arts of Texas.

Each year, the number of artists served doubled and services soon expanded nationwide. The Board of Directors was formed in August 2000, incorporating a statement of faith, which enabled Imagine Art to operate as a ministry project. Imagine Art applied for 501c3 status, which was awarded in October 2001. Services are continually evolving with the development of our artists.

Artist in our Community
Artists applications are processed by the Executive Director, Debbie Kizer. The artist participates in an interview that gathers details about their history, experience and current status on issues relating to the arts, health, spiritual matters, community living, relationships and employment. Based on the interview, we identify the artist's needs, target specific programs that would benefit the artist and consider the availbility of our resources.

Team Approach
The staff team is comprised of the Executive Director, the Studio Director, the Commercial Art Director/Spiritual Director and the Career Palette Program Coordinator. The team meets weekly to consider the community and all its players. During this time, artist needs are assessed and team approaches are developed to best meet the needs.

Artist Plans
Each artist operates under an Artist Plan that is developed by the team. The initial interview builds the foundation for the artist plan and then specific program coordinators or directors add components to the plan as needed. The artist takes an active part in understanding their plan and participating in its outcomes.

Visit the Get Involved page to find out how you can be a part of our community, as an artist, a donor, a partner or a volunteer!