A few words
About Us
Our story begins in 2004...
Christina Smith, Community Support Advocates CEO, started Momentum in 2004. It started as an exhibition for one of her participants who was struggling with anxiety and depression. He was a talented artist and she hoped that by allowing him to showcase his work, he would be able to connect with his community and find healthy supports. The exhibition was a success and Christina watched as this artist’s confidence grew. She knew that art was a healing tool; a way for individuals to express themselves, cope with everyday struggles, and grow through their recovery.
Smith continued the annual exhibition and titled it Works of Growth & Recovery. Momentum grew so exponentially, that when Mainframe Studios opened in 2017, Smith was excited at the opportunity to have a space to continue this important work and a place for artists to build their community.
Momentum Studio is now housed in Suite 109 at Mainframe Studios with a connected gallery space in Suite 103. It is a free program for individuals who identify as having a disability or mental health condition; no registration or paperwork. Our door is open for anyone– no artistic talent is required. Our studio is filled with abundant supplies, supportive staff, and an inclusive community of artists. We offer free art workshops, instruction from our trained staff, and even art exhibition opportunities.
Momentum participates in Mainframe First Fridays the first Friday of every month, where we feature one or more artists in our gallery space, Suite 103. Artists are welcome to share and sell their art, as well as network with other artists in the building.
Momentum’s annual Works of Growth and Recovery Exhibition is open to any Central Iowa artist with disabilities or mental health conditions. Applications open in August of every year and each artist may submit up to 3 pieces that will go through a jurying process, done by a new guest juror each year. The pieces that are chosen will be displayed during our big exhibition. To learn more about this opportunity, visit www.teamcsa.org/exhibition.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! Our studio is open to anyone that ‘self-identifies’ as having a disability or mental health condition– including adhd, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, etc. We do not require any paperwork or doctor’s verification.
Yes! We would happily take your gently used art supplies. Contact Kelsey at momentum@teamcsa.org to set up a drop off time.
For volunteer opportunities, contact Kelsey at momentum@teamcsa.org. We are always looking for volunteer artists to help teach classes/workshops, and individuals to assist with general studio upkeep!
Because we serve a wide range of individuals, we encourage parents to contact Kelsey at momentum@teamcsa.org to inquire about minors attending open studio times.
We do our very best to ensure that our studio space is accessible to people of all abilities. In the event that you need specific accomodations, please contact Kelsey at momentum@teamcsa.org.
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