A new community art space on Abbot Kinney Boulevard is inviting the public to make art alongside the work of artists with autism and other neurodivergences, and this month it is offering free weekend workshops.
Limitless Art Space, which the nonprofit Help Group opened a few weeks ago at 1639 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice, is housed in a space generously donated by Help Group Board Chair Howard Tenenbaum. The space combines a gallery, a shop and free drop-in art tables under one roof. All proceeds support the organization’s student arts and enrichment programs.
"Limitless is a place to explore, create and connect," said Dr. Susan Berman, CEO of Help Group.
A free workshop runs Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, from noon to 3 p.m. Participants can drop in anytime during those hours to make their own glass marble magnets, cutting and collaging images and patterns from thrifted magazines and books into one-of-a-kind designs.
The following weekend, Oct. 10-11, the workshop shifts to fall tissue paper wreaths. During the same noon to 3 p.m. window, visitors can crinkle, twist and layer tissue paper, then decorate with twine and seasonal embellishments to make a festive wreath ready to hang at home.
Registration for both workshops is through Eventbrite, with details available at limitlessartspace.org.
Beyond the workshops, visitors will find original artwork by Help Group students and alumni, as well as neurodivergent artists from the wider community, according to Dr. Berman. The shop offers art-inspired goods, greeting cards, apparel and merchandise featuring the artists' work. Free walk-in activities designed for all ages include bracelet making and air clay.
"More than anything, we want Limitless to feel welcoming, creative and joyful," Dr. Berman said. "You can come in with your family, bring a friend, make it a date, or simply stop in while you're walking down Abbot Kinney."
The idea, organizers said, is for the space to be more than a store or gallery.
"It's a gallery, but it's also a community space and a place where people can experience art, make something of their own and connect with one another," Dr. Berman said.
The featured artists come from Help Group's own classrooms and beyond.
"Our artists are both Help Group students and alumni with a wide range of ages, interests and artistic styles, as well as artists from the larger neurodivergent community," Dr. Berman said. "The students come from across our network of schools and after-school programs, and each brings a unique perspective and way of expressing themselves through art."
Berman said the work on display is chosen to reflect the artists themselves rather than classroom requirements.
"We look for work that reflects the individuality, creativity and perspective of our students and alumni," she said. "These aren't simply pieces created as part of a school assignment. They reflect the interests, imagination, humor and experiences of the young people who created them."
"We want the community to see the incredible range of talent and possibility within our neurodiverse community," she added.
Sales from the gallery and shop go back into the organization's programs.
"Every purchase and donation supports arts education across Help Group schools while creating more opportunities for neurodivergent artists," Dr. Berman said.
For visitors who wander in off the street, Berman said she hopes they leave with a new understanding of neurodivergent artists.
"I hope they walk away seeing possibility rather than limitation," she said. "Neurodivergent people have tremendous talents, perspectives and ways of seeing the world, and art can be a powerful way to share that perspective."
"We want people to see the artist first, to appreciate the creativity, skill, humor and individuality in the work, and to recognize that neurodivergent people have much to contribute to our communities," she said.
"Our goal is not simply to create a gallery where people can see beautiful art; it's to create a space where people can see the gifts and potential of the people behind that art," Dr. Berman said.
Limitless Art Space, 1639 Abbot Kinney Blvd., is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information is available at limitlessartspace.org.