Letter From The Executive Director: February
A Mission Moment: When Art, Community, and Connection Come Together
What happens when people are given the space to share their story?
And what becomes possible when a community
chooses to invest in that space?
Dear Friends of We Care Arts:
Too often, adults living with disabilities, substance use disorders, and mental health diagnoses are not fully seen or heard. Many of us have witnessed how easily a diagnosis can overshadow creativity, voice, and the value people bring to our community.
In 2025, two seemingly unrelated things happened at We Care Arts.
At the time, we did not realize how deeply connected these moments would become. Months later, they would converge in one ordinary afternoon in our front gallery and reveal something extraordinary about voice, confidence, and community.
Last summer at our Art & Jazz Event, we launched our Together We Care Pairings, bringing together We Care Arts artists and community partners to collaboratively create original works of art. Over four to five months, these pairs shared ideas, experimented with techniques, and built relationships rooted in trust and creativity. Those collaborative pieces will be featured and auctioned at our Together We Care Gala on Friday, February 27, beginning with an exclusive art exhibit opening and culminating in an exciting live art auction. And yes, please save the date now for Art & Jazz 2026 on July 25.
At the same time, We Care Arts partnered with Greene County DD to host monthly after-hours integrated Art Collaborative events. These evenings invited artists, families, partners, and community supporters to learn, listen, and connect. Guided gallery tours, led by our Director of Programming, Carlette Jewell, invited participants to explore the stories, techniques, and inspirations behind the artwork displayed throughout We Care Arts.
So, what does happen when people are given the space to share their story? And what becomes possible when a community chooses to invest in that space?
In January, I witnessed the answer. As I stepped out of my office, I saw Debbi L., a regular Art Collaborative participant and Together We Care artist, standing in our front gallery with Sarah A., in front of her Together We Care collaborative artwork. Debbi was proudly describing her community partner, the creative process they developed together, the techniques they used, and how the experience and the art made her feel.
In that moment, Debbi was her own docent, advocate, and storyteller. This is what our mission looks like in action. It is art. It is community. And it is empowering!
None of this happens without you. Individuals, businesses, and partners choose to support We Care Arts because they see the impact firsthand. Whether you attend an event, sponsor a program, or give monthly, your proactive support ensures these moments continue to happen.
With gratitude,
Katie Neubert
Executive Director
PS: Be sure to check out our Save the Date 2026 Events Calendar. Reach out to me or Kelly Gibson, our Director of Community Engagement, to learn more about how you can make a difference at a level that is meaningful to you.
