By Heather Dewey Wagner, Executive Director
Last Friday evening was one that I will carry with me for a very long time. Our Art Without Limits Celebration Gala, held in our new art gallery, was filled with emotion, beauty, and a sense of community that is hard to put into words.
My friend Theresa Lewis (who is the Executive Director at the Arc of East Central Iowa) and I sat down and came up with the idea that we needed to show the world the incredible artists that I teach three times a month at the Academy. So, for two months, the art DayHab students from the Arc created artwork that reflected their unique voices and spirits. They molded clay, painted canvases, experimented with watercolors, designed jewelry, built mosaics, and combined textures and materials in ways that only they could imagine. When the doors to our Study Hall venue opened, the space was transformed. The room was alive with color, texture, and energy. Every piece carried the mark of a person who has something important to share and to say.
The event itself was not about raising money, even though we asked for a small fee to help cover supplies and refreshments. The true purpose was to give these remarkable adults the chance to step into the spotlight and feel pride in their creations. Watching their reactions was unforgettable. When someone paused to admire a piece, their faces lit up. When someone purchased their work, you could see them stand taller. It was pure pride, pure joy, and pure dignity.
I met so many parents that night, of students I have known for years and in some cases more than a decade. To hug them, to hear their gratitude, and to see them witness their adult children being honored in such a public and celebratory way moved me deeply. These students have become part of my family over the years. To see them validated, respected, and cheered on by a community of supporters filled my heart in a way I will never forget.
This evening would not have been possible without the love and effort of so many. Dori and Megan, two of the most generous. talented and loving teacher volunteers, guided the students through their creative process with patience and encouragement. Jenny from the Arc poured herself into every detail alongside us and her brother Jake helped make the most amazing charcuterie table I have ever seen! Drake worked tirelessly to prepare our new gallery space. Evan brought music into the air that added warmth and energy. Jenna, Maddie, and Crystal kept things flowing with incredible mocktails. Kassandra welcomed guests and managed the checkout with grace. Naomi captured the joy and emotion of the night through her lens. Fox greeted every single guest at the door with kindness and pride. Together we created something that will echo in our memories forever.
As I looked around the room, surrounded by artwork, music, and laughter, I felt something powerful. This is what the arts do. They give voice to those who are often unheard. They create confidence in those who are often overlooked. They bring joy and healing into spaces where challenges are often heavy. For our DayHab students, art is not just a class. It is a place to be seen, to be valued, and to know that what they create matters.
That night also held a moment that I cannot ignore. There were a couple of people there in wheelchairs. As happy as I was to see them enjoying the evening, it broke my heart to know that our building is still not fully accessible. They deserved to move through every space with ease, without obstacles or limitations. That experience strengthened my resolve and reminded me exactly why our ADA campaign is so urgent.
If we truly want to serve every member of our community, we must continue working to make Arthur Elementary fully accessible. The very students who shined so brightly at this gala deserve to be able to enter every classroom, every studio, and every stage without barriers. Accessibility is not about a checklist. It is about love, belonging, and respect.
