The VaultArt Studio in Bloomfield recently kicked off a busy season.
Open from April to December, the gallery is hosting nine in-house shows featuring work by people with disabilities as part of the monthly Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn Avenue art crawl. The group is also planning several exhibitions at other venues featuring individual artists.
Founded in 2017 by social agency Achieva, the studio provides community-based training and work for artists with disabilities. The artists plan the studio's activities and keep all profits from sales of their work. Last year, members sold $41,000 worth of artwork.
“Currently, we are at full capacity,” said artist-manager Steph Neary, one of three instructors. “Artists are selected through a process that considers both artistic goals and a commitment to personal as well as professional development.
“We work closely with each artist to ensure VaultArt Studio is the right fit for them, and are always looking for outside opportunities to show artwork or partner with local and national businesses and organizations. We are always busy planning and supporting the careers of the 17 artists.”
Charlie Wallace, 35, of Forest Hills, has been a member since 2017. He uses oil pastels to make art depicting celebrities and historical figures who have passed on including Julia Child, Whitney Houston and Malcolm X. His latest project is a series of tarot cards depicting R&B artists.
“I like making money so I can buy some supplies and look at everyone's work,” he said.
Edith Sullivan, 24, of Brighton Heights, a member since 2022, taps pop culture as subject matter for her drawings and sculptures and VaultArt Studio has even inspired her to form a band.
“(The studio) helps me be famous and take some criticism,” she said. “I can be rich by selling my artwork. ... It is going to be my dream come true.”
Lee Kennedy, 30, of Upper St. Clair, a painter and a member since 2017, said the studio is his favorite place.
“It is helpful for me to have an art studio with coworkers,” he said. “I am inspired by each piece of art from Sean Traynor and Darian Johnson, Kim Bond and Charlie Wallace.
“I paint pop culture and holidays, and I like sharing my artwork with my coworkers.”
Charmette Young, 69, of the North Side, taught herself how to draw and make potholders before becoming a member in 2018.
“Now I sew canvases and VaultArt sells my artwork and hangs it up on walls,” she said.
“I'm doing what everyone else is doing. I like to be a good artist because it helps me a lot, so I don't have to sit around the house doing nothing and being lazy.”
Donations are accepted at
vaultartstudio.org to help cover operating costs.
First Published: May 17, 2025, 4:00 a.m.
Updated: May 17, 2025, 11:36 a.m.
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