Art Mix Indiana expanding its reach through free virtual art videos for public

Virtual to reach a wider audience.

Art mix indiana primarily serves individuals with disabilities.

News 18's micah upshaw tells us how this pandemic is shifting the organization in a positive direction.

Nat: first we want to thank you for joining us for our um.

B: we totally had to change the way we provided services.

M: like many organizations, art mix indiana was forced to make a shift in its programming due to covid-19.

But ceo britt sutton says this shift is actually quite beneficial.

B: it was an incredible opportunity for us to grow and also to reach individuals outside of indianapolis.

M: art mix is now offering art tutorials and activities for the public to view for free on youtube.

This non-profit's main priority, however, is to serve individuals with disabilities.

It offers a program that allows them to build an income by being paid to participate in art classes.

This program has also moved virtually through zoom.

B: most of the people we serve have autism or down syndrome.

The students come to us and let us know what they want to get out of the program, they let us know the skills that they're trying to build.

M: the skills include anything from preparing for college to getting a job.

B: really building that community of togetherness is great for them.

It's also great because it provides them ways that they can improve on some of their fine motor and gross motor functioning skills.

M: sutton says the arts have a way of enhancing all types of skills that we use from day to day.

She's encouraging everyone to take advantage of their services especially during this pandemic.

B: it is shown and proven to lower stress levels so during this time, everyone needs access to some kind of creative outlet.

M: reporting in lafayette, micah upshaw.

News 18.

Art mix is in the middle of a holiday match campaign.

One board member has agreed to match up to 50- thousand dollars donated to the non-profit.

Sutton says this donation is enough to financially support the organization for an entire year.

Information on how to donate is on our website wlfi.com.

Another covd-19 drug has received emergency authorization