STARability Foundation is honored to announce the Marcus Jansen Foundation Fund has awarded a $2,500 grant toward “Divergent Inspiration – an Inclusive Art Exhibit by STARability Foundation” at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. The special group art show runs through May 30, featuring space-themed artwork created by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the STARability community.
“In the name of our Marcus Jansen Foundation, my wife and I were honored to sponsor STARability Foundation’s group exhibition,” said Founder Marcus Jansen. “The uniqueness of this particular exhibition is what is immediately striking and suggests today’s much needed individualism shown among these talents.”
“Divergent Inspiration” encourages visitors and art lovers to see life and art from the viewpoint of STARability Foundation’s participants and appreciate the therapeutic, skill-building and life-enhancing process of making art. Pieces for the exhibit were created as part of STARability’s innovative programming where participants also had the opportunity to collaborate with local professional artists.
All artwork displayed during the show is available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting STARability.
“We are extremely grateful to the Marcus Jansen Foundation for supporting our mission and this unique and meaningful opportunity for our STARs,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “Our STARs are proud to share their artwork with the community, and this funding helps shine light on their accomplishments and confirms their role as valued and contributing members of their community.”
The Marcus Jansen Foundation Fund is administered by the Collaboratory and supports local arts initiatives and artists in lower income communities with a focus on mental illness.
STARability is a regional leader in providing innovative, results-driven programs designed to accommodate the unique needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Southwest Florida. Their life-transforming work ensures families have access to programs, resources and an inclusive community that provide opportunities to lead a meaningful and productive life.
To learn more about STARability Foundation, visit STARability.org.
About STARability Foundation
For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.
About the Marcus Jansen Foundation Fund
The Marcus Jansen Foundation Fund was founded in 2019 with a focus on the arts and assisting marginalized community art organizations, seeking to provide exposure to less economically advantaged through a period of COVID. The fund has grown to support organizations that assist with various art causes, such as people affected by autism and mental illness seeking art or music as a way to express themselves. The Marcus Jansen Foundation Fund is administered by the Collaboratory located in Fort Myers. For more information, visit marcusjansenfoundation.org.
About the Collaboratory
Collaboratory is a regional community foundation with an evolved mission committed to coordinating the solving of Southwest Florida’s major social problems by 2040. Not alone, but with everyone—the entire community working together across all five counties: Lee, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and Collier. Collaboratory provides community leadership, raises and coordinates funding, and disburses funds to organizations that are helping solve the problems our donors and the community have identified as priorities. Collaboratory also provides capacity building with training and resources for regional partners. Given the complexities of the social challenges in our region, Collaboratory ensures we are all working together and that every generous donor achieves the biggest impact with their funds. By using and sharing data to track progress, we ensure that donor dollars are best invested to move the needle on improving social issues. Connection and collaboration are at the heart of our mission. Since 1976, we have made over $120 million in grants to individuals and organizations across the region to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. It is upon that legacy of a commitment to community we will collectively achieve our 2040 goal. To learn more and get involved, call 239-274-5900 or visit collaboratory.org.
Contacts:
Rachael D’Eramo, STARability Foundation, 239-594-9007 x102, rachael@STARability.org
Angela Bell, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, Angela@GSMA.pro
Photo credit: Zee Anna Photography
