Our Story

My brother Chase is the inspiration behind many things I have done in my 30 years of life, but perhaps the most exciting thing he has inspired thus far is Creation Studio. The community of people with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) has always been important to me as my life has been intertwined with theirs since I can remember. Chase was born when I was 2, and my mom knew soon after his birth that he was not developing normally. It took many doctors and many months before Chase received a diagnosis, and even that diagnosis is quite broad. He has Congenital Encephalopathy, which means brain damage at birth. He is 28 now but is non-verbal and is quite limited in cognitive function.

In addition to his limits, though, Chase has always been a joyful, silly, and fun person. I remember wrestling him when we were kids, dancing for him as The Wiggles played on the television screen behind me, sharing McDonald’s french fries (well, he mostly stole them from me), and singing his favorite “this song is for Chaaaaase” tune over and over (likely to the dismay of my parents, who must have heard me sing those five words countless times each week).

As adults, Chase has been attending the Autism Treatment Center while I have pursued a career in photography, including a master’s in photojournalism in which my thesis looked at the positive impact of employment on adults with disabilities. I see Chase most weekends since we both live in our hometown of Dallas, and he is a willing participant in my photographic tendencies (like many of my family members). Documenting Chase, and through that, our relationship, has been one of the most special parts of my photographic practice. He is an open subject unlike most people. He shows himself fully; nothing is construed or falsified.

In addition to photography, I have been teaching journalism for the last couple years. I was talking to a fellow teacher at school one day, and he showed me a video about a studio and gallery for adults with disabilities. As soon as the video began, I started to think “I want to make this happen in Dallas.” But the video ended, and I went back to daily life (my daughter was two months old at the time).

After the school year ended, I began to think about this potential studio and gallery on a daily basis. Finally, after a month or two, I decided I wanted to try. Even if I failed, at least I tried.

I have seen through my time working in this space that employment is not only impactful for the person but also their family as well as the people they interact with in their daily life. It is truly a ripple effect. Specific to my life, I have found that my practice of photography and fiber art is not only a meaningful career but also brings me great joy. I want to create a space in which adults with disabilities can experience this same type of fulfillment.

I’m so excited to launch Creation Studio. Classes in painting, drawing, and fiber art as well as studio time will be available in our space starting January 13, 2025.