About ArtWorking:
ArtWorking provides career-oriented support for artists with developmental disabilities. Artists are supported in ArtWorking’s professional studio workspace, in addition to community and private settings. This may include an artist’s personal studio, public events, workshops, and sales opportunities. ArtWorking maintains its own Supported Self Employment Program, which offers a wide range of business specific supports to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. As a result, they are able to provide a seamless transition from fostering artistic growth to developing a small business. ArtWorking actively seeks opportunities for artists and business owners to compete with their non-disabled peers in local and regional markets, as active participants in the mainstream art and business communities. ArtWorking currently works with over thirty individual artists and small businesses. ArtWorking’s staff has extensive experience in fine art, small business management, product development, benefits management, and human services.
Austin’s Bio:
I’m a twenty year old autistic young man who likes to work with my hands besides taking care of my service dog Jax’s and looking out for my family. I love to make wood signs and also just started crocheting – it is a lot of fun. I have made scarfs and table runners. I put a lot of work into all my projects I have made for you, so hopefully what ever you purchase you will enjoy just as much as I did making it!!!
Beth’s Bio:
Beth loves good food and lovely scents, so it was only natural to turn some of our family hobbies into business when her seizures made her traditional job impossible to continue. She loves picking out the next scent to make in the Tir Na Nog Naturals body butters, solid lotions, and scrubs as well as being the first to try them! We have a list a mile long of her inventions. She also loves the delicious jams and jellies she makes as Beth’s Culinary Creations, and she is the best at zesting oranges for marmalade! Finally, getting outside in the early spring to collect sap for maple syrup and sitting around the fire as we cook it down is a favorite family tradition. Jump River SugarBush is our name for our syrup which we also age in bourbon barrels for a tasty twist. Beth is very creative! Being able to have work days flexible for when she is able to do the things she loves yet rest when she needs to is very important to us, and supporting her creativity without burning her out has been a lifesaver. She also loves being out in the sunshine, painting, sci-fi movies, chocolate, and most of all her kitty Miss Marple.
Ben’s Bio:
Ben Peetz, 17; is a developing artist who leverages his neurodiversity to express his view of the world in his artwork. He is currently focused on line-drawn sketches and hand-rendered type in his graphic designs. He began his career as an artist through fan art based on his favorite television shows. Ben’s journey as an artist has just begun. Please join him as he navigates this world and learns how his art can bring joy to others.
Ben’s Bio:
I feel good when I paint. Big brushes on a big canvas work best. Sometimes I also like to put tape or tissue paper on the canvas before I paint.
I like to do art with the radio on. I paint in time to the music. Painting is great. Sometimes I’m surprised by how my paintings turns out, but I always like them.
You can find Ben’s current work for sale Here.
Hunter’s Bio:
Hi! My name is Hunter Kelch. I am 28 years old and have Cerebral Palsy. I have always strived for independence. Currently, I live in my own apartment with the assistance of caregivers. I also have a cat named Sully.
For the past 5 years I have been the owner and author of www.comerollwithme.com. I use my blog to spread awareness and to advocate for individuals with disabilities. I have met amazing people because of my social media and blog.
This year I expanded into the button making business! Come Roll With Me now offers pin back buttons, photo buttons, magnets, keychains, zipper pulls and bottle openers. I offer my own designs, as well as custom designing to meet your needs!
In my free time I love to play video games, explore new towns and go out to eat.
Diane’s Bio:
My name is Diane Hop. I like to do crafts. I enjoy making jewelry and painting. I just started selling my crafts this year. I had my first sale at a fair and enjoyed it greatly. I enjoy meeting my sister out for lunch and shopping. I enjoy talking with my sister daily on the phone. I live in a supported apartment by myself. I really enjoy having my own little space.
John’s Bio:
My name is John Olivas. I am 27 years old and I live in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in art and storytelling. I have studied character art and drawing, as well as computer animation. I have also studied filmmaking and am a production assistant.
With all the climate change going on in the world, it has made me reflect on the environment around me. I feel we all have a responsibility to our planet and the best way for me to express my concern is through my art. I believe that art, no matter how simple, can convey a thousand words.
I started my business, Global Orbit Artwork, in the summer of 2021 and enjoy it a lot. My products convey an environmental message through characters.
Heidi’s Bio:
I started my business with my sisters, so that I could spend time with people in different communities. I love doing all kinds of crafts, from scrapbooking to tie blankets. I currently have a Facebook page and an email address to take orders from people.
I have had a table with my sister at the self-determination conference for several years. It is great to see all my friends every year. I am also lucky enough to hang out with my family for the weekend. If you are interested in a blanket, please contact me at heidicreativecreations@gmail.com. Or look me up on Facebook!
About Inspiring Art by Alex:
Alex Haunty Bio:
Alex Haunty is an artist with a big heart to love people, paint happiness and bring life to everyone around him. Living with a cognitive disability, Alex uses his unique challenges as a springboard to achieve his dreams and become a source of inspiration for many. Known for his bright whimsical colors, Alex paints originals using acrylic on canvas that are then printed as giclée prints, posters and cards. With the proceeds from his art sales, Alex donates a significant portion to his nonprofit, Alex Haunty’s Theater and Arts Fund, Inc., to buy tickets for people with disabilities to see Broadway shows. In 2015, Alex received the Outstanding Young Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals WI, Greater Madison Chapter.
About Jenny’s Diamond Crafts
Jenny’s Bio:
I love to diamond paint because it’s so relaxing to me. It greatly reduces my anxiety while allowing me to use my creativity. I started diamond painting in 2018 and my passion for it has continued to grow. Diamond painting is a mix between cross stitch and paint by numbers without the mess! You apply tiny “diamond” beads to a sticky canvas that results in a picture or mosaic that reflects light resulting in an incredible sparkly affect. It truly looks like a diamond painting! The largest painting I’ve ever done was for my daughter. It took almost 150 hours to complete and used close to 140,000 “diamonds” – each one placed individually! If you have an idea for something you want “painted,” contact me at jennifer.neugart@yahoo.com for a custom order.
About J&J’s Handmade Crafts:
String Art
We are a married couple that like to make crafts from the heart. We create projects that we feel people would like in their homes that are affordable and handmade. Whether it’s sports related or a little trinket box, we love to see people leave our table at a craft fair or a conference with a smile on their face. That is why we started our micro business, to make someone happy.
Jason Endres Bio:
I love making stuff out of wood. When I was in middle and high school, I enjoyed making stuff from wood. Something as easy as a bookshelf to my hardest project, a clock in the shape of Wisconsin. Today with the help of my wife Julie, we create woodworking and other projects that are from the heart and we hope they will put a smile on someone’s face.
Julie Endres Bio:
As a young girl, I loved to watch my grandma make things on her sewing machine. My grandma taught me how to cross stitch and sew. Because my hands and coordination didn’t work well from my Cerebral Palsy, I had to adapt how I created things. As I age, I find that creating things keeps my hands functioning and less spastic. I don’t create things for myself, because it’s better to give than to receive.
About Kathleen Designs:
My name is Kathleen Coogan. I live in Madison, WI. I enjoy working out of my welcoming studio space at Artworking in Madison, WI. I am a visual artist who sees art in nature and in a lot of media. I have many friends at in Madison who support and encourage me. In the future, I am ready to open to the world. My dream is my art business.
About Kathryn’s Crafts:
Hello I am Kathryn, a freshman in High School. I enjoy sewing and screen printing as well as making crafts. I enjoy playing music and making my own music. I have self taught myself how to play the ukulele, guitar, clarinet, keyboard, and viola. I was diagnosed with PDD-Nos when I was about 2 ½. I have made custom shirts for my old middle school. I can make custom shirts for almost anything. I bought a machine and am now learning how to make designs on cups, signs, wood or anything I can put the design on.
About Leo & Co Dog Treats:
Jon Winn was born with a huge heart, a love for animals, and an extremely rare seizure disorder. Through all of life’s challenges, his goal has always been to pitch in and help this world in any way possible.
From this goal bloomed something incredible: Leo & Co, a healthy dog treat company. He is the man, mixing, baking, labeling, and packaging the dog treats, traveling to deliver orders, AND donating 10% of proceeds to the La Crosse Warming Center.
Jon has never let his seizure disorder stop him from dreaming big, and you can support this dream by purchasing your dog treats from Leo & Co.
About Robin Rouby:
Robin Rouby is a 67 year old disabled artist who suffered a back injury 30 years ago, and now struggles with advanced degenerative spine disease that has left her unable to stand, walk or use her arms very much. At the time of her injury she specialized in large vibrant colored pencil drawings usually depicting architectural subject matter that were often mistaken for paintings, and smaller colored pencil illustrations that were more concentrated on the metaphysical and subatomic aspects of energy and spirituality. After hurting her back she lost her fine motor skills, was unable to apply the pressure required to produce the vibrant results she’d been getting from her preferred medium, and was unable to “work large”. She struggled for decades to find a new medium that expressed her vibrant artistic vision until she discovered resin.
Robin has always also had a passion for “up cycling” used objects, and has argued that useful household items could be little works of art. She now creates small wall art assemblages, and home decor including canisters, jars, clocks, resin “geode” sun catchers, trays, coasters and wine gift boxes by combining resin with alcohol inks, paints, pigments, stones, crystals, trinkets, beads, glitter and natural elements.
About Soap Sisters
Soap
Soap Sisters are truly as they seem, two sisters with a love for soap and spreading bubbly joy. Amber and Ashley have been inseparable since childhood with a strong sisterly bond. At a young age Ashley was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, on the Autism Spectrum. Though Ashley has had and continues to have great success in her college career and career as a motivational speaker, Amber has been determined to provide Ashley with as many opportunities as she can. And so, in March of 2017 Amber decided to open a small soap business that would provide Ashley a consistent job and allow her to spread her love of soaping. Coming up with a name for the company came pretty easy to both sisters as they decided to name their company as it was, two sisters who soap. However, what makes their name unique is the story behind the word, SOAP. For Amber and Ashley, the word soap means more than just the obvious; to them soap provides itself as a meaningful acronym. Sister Of Autism Princess
Our Mission..
The Soap Sisters are quite immersed in the special needs community and have a true passion for spreading positivity and self-worth for all. Ashley spends a large amount of time traveling the state speaking to schools, teachers and students about her life with Autism and how truly anything is possible. She is also an active member of Special Olympics Wisconsin where she competes in track, bowling and snowshoeing.
As part of our mission to spread positive vibes and promote self-confidence, the Soap Sisters provide positive messages and fortunes in all of their bath bomb and sugar scrub products. Soap Sisters also plans to partner with Special Olympics in the near future where part of our proceeds will be donated toward the Special Olympics Organization. Furthermore, Soap Sisters has high hopes of growing their company and some day providing employment opportunities for adults with special needs.
Ashley Mathy Bio:
Ashley Mathy is a 23-year-old disability advocate who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (autism spectrum). She is a Wisconsin Policymaking Partner, Employment 1st Ambassador and president of People First’s Rhinelander Chapter. Most recently she was appointed to the Board of Directors for BPDD. Ashley has spoken around the state of Wisconsin advocating for individuals with special needs. In addition, she has been interviewed on the TV, Radio and Newspaper on multiple occasions to provide her insights on various topics. Ashley works aggressively as an advocate for individuals with special needs with a motto “Cross out the Dis and Embrace the Ability”.
Amber Mathy Bio:
Amber Mathy is Ashley’s older sister and best friend. She helped start the Soap Sisters business and helps Ashley maintain orders and stock. Amber is a teacher in Minocqua, Wisconsin where she also resides with her husband and dog, Bear!
About Standing Bird Crafts
About Dan:
Dan Gadbois is an enrolled member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a member of the Eagle Clan. Dan lives on the Red Cliff reservation in northern Wisconsin, with his wife Barbara and their son Thomas. Dan has been crafting since his early teens.
Standing Bird Crafts began in the spring of 2018, after being gifted a vinyl cutting machine. Dan spent time primarily designing t-shirts, and decals. He moved into sublimation in September 2019. At the time, sales were usually at local craft fairs and pow wows. Covid-19 changed that. Dan had to find another way to sell, so he began an online shop.
Dan creates a variety of Native American crafts and jewelry. He weaves delicate Dreamcatcher earrings and Tree of Life necklace and earring sets. He also makes a variety of sublimated products such as natural freshwater pearl shell (Luma Shell) necklace and earring sets, face masks, and ornaments. Many of the sublimated items feature the artwork of his granddaughter Evelyn. Dan’s favorite product to make is the Luma Shell jewelry.
When Dan is not crafting, he enjoys playing the Native flute, and online gaming.
About Studio 84 Artists
Studio 84 is a nonprofit art studio, gallery, and gift store that specializes in the creative development of people with disabilities. Many studio artists will be participating in the 2020 Self-Determination conference meet and greet activities.
Story
Studio 84 was conceptualized many years ago by Deborah Blackwell. An artist with a vision. While attending UW-Whitewater, plans were being formulated and slowly things came her way as they were needed in the goal of opening a non-profit art center that would be open to all ages, all abilities and would specialize in working with people with physical and cognitive limitations. In Deborah’s last year of schooling, the momentum grew and soon the necessary things that were needed fell in place.
The Studio became Incorporated in December of 2007 and non-profit status was granted in June of 2008. Fund raising began to be able to open doors. Several buildings were spotted but the one that caught her attention was a building well suited for the implementation of all the programming desired. It is also a building with a history of art attached to it, with the historical, Prairie Tillers Mural painted on the side. Located at 121 W. Center Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin, Studio 84 is just off the main street of the downtown area.
The Studio opened its doors on July 1, 2009 with left over art supplies from college days, a classmate’s art on the walls, a found table, used computer and with half of the building still being remodeled.
About Swedee’s Handmade Jewelry
Jewelry & Accessories
I like jewelry and I like to meet all the colorful people at sales. I have fun selling at shows and conferences. Lanyards are my favorite thing to make and a lot of people I know wear them. When I was 9 years old, I started making jewelry with my sister, Amelia. I also love art and I like drawing. I love working with my ArtWorking team because we make fun stuff together. They make me happy. I like helping out other people at ArtWorking. I just started making headbands and tote bags from my drawings. I am so excited.
When I’m not at work, I like talking to my sister, taking walks with my mom at Picnic Point, cooking, shopping, and relaxing. I love listening to music and Jason Mraz is my favorite.I like hanging out with friends during the week and getting dinner. I love my apartment; it is the best. I live with my roommate, Ben. We have been buds for a long time. I like cleaning, doing dishes, putting things away and being on my own.
I am happy and proud of my business. I hope people feel happy, fun, and funky when they wear my jewelry.
About Thirty-One
Hi my name is Randi Johnson and I love ❤️ Thirty-one! Thirty-one is best explained by our founder Cindy Monroe.
“A mission to empower.”
I founded Thirty-One Gifts in 2003 with one simple goal in mind – to help women by giving
them the opportunity to run their own successful business. That goal remains our No. 1 priority
today.
Not only do our fashionable, functional products make life easier – they also help independent
business owners support their families and reach their dreams. For nearly two decades, our
Consultants have held over 6 million parties. Along the way we’ve also been blessed to give
back to organizations that share our mission of empowering girls, women and families – in North America and around the world.
We all have a “why” – a reason for doing the things we do. Maybe yours is family, friends, faith,
flexibility. Maybe it’s just having fun. Our why is to help you reach yours. – Cindy Monroe
Meet Randi
I joined Thirty-One in August 2013 and have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people! Our products range from purses to home organization to gifts. Many of our items can be personalized to the customer so that It has an additional personal touch. In this company I am not defined by what disability I have. I am equal to everyone else. I have had a booth at the SDS conference for several years now and I love showing all the new catalog items!
About Vasquez Productions
Vasquez Productions is owned by Ricardo Vasquez aka “The Marimba Man”. Ricardo plays marimba along with several percussive instruments including drum set, timpani, bass drum, snare drum, bells, and cymbals. He performs both on a solo basis and with area bands. Ricardo offers live music performances of classical, seasonal and traditional melodies played on the marimba. Ricardo also tunes pianos.
Ricardo Vasquez was diagnosed with Autism as a child. Since the 3rd grade, music has been an important part of his life – he learned language, reading and math skills through musical connections. While in middle school, Ricardo began playing marimba and has since become a talented musician.
Over the past few years, Ricardo has played percussion in the Zor Shrine Band as well as the Sugar River Band and performed as a Baritone vocalist in the St. Joseph’s choir. He has also held solo marimba performances at area churches, nursing homes and fundraisers. He has been featured on Madison’s Channel 3 News and on the front page of the Capital Times Newspaper, and on October 7th, 2014 Ricardo was a guest on CW57’s Talk of the Town. Ricardo also has an exclusive YouTube performance featuring one of his favorite Latin songs, Besame Mucho.
About VerriKerri Soap
If you’ve ever come near our VerriKerri Soap table at the annual Self-Determination fall conference in Wisconsin Dells, you know that a conversation with Kerri would’ve gone something like this on her part…”Hi! I’m Kerri. … Nice to meet you! …. You doing okay?…. That’s good. … Thank you! … Have a good day! … Bye!”
Kerri doesn’t really care a lot about how much soap she sells. She does care a lot about people. She loves people and loves to interact with them. All people. Anyone. She has a natural ability and sincere desire to be friendly and interested in others. We believe it’s her gift.
We began VerriKerri Soap in 2011 as a way for Kerri to participate in her own small business and to be productive making something useful and happy – something everyone wants and needs – SOAP! Natural, handmade soap!
We enjoy creating and providing soap. We make soap in both bars and in liquid (foaming) bottles, skin cream, skin oil, and other products, all made with ingredients to soothe and nourish your skin – and maybe even lighten your mood! During these current, challenging times, who doesn’t need that?!
Please feel free to visit our website and read more. Thank you for your interest and support. And Kerri says “Hi!”
Kerri, Vicki, and Dave Hartig
About Y’vas Inspiration
Savannah’s Bio:
My name is Savannah, Savy for short. I am an autistic advocate for nuerodiversity and autism/disability acceptance. I’m also a freelance artist, as my autistic “stim” is doodling and drawing. I sell my prints that I create using digital art programs and my drawing tablet as well as aromatherapy bracelets that I craft together with my mother and sister. My mission is to use my skills and talents to make the world a better place and bring joy to those around me. I hope you all enjoy my work and find something you like.