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VISION

The Mispillion Art League is a beacon in the community by fostering and promoting the visual arts through education, exhibits, and programs that encourage access to all.

VALUES

Our core value is fostering creativity in the visual arts.

• We support all skill levels and mediums.
• We champion diversity in participation by encouraging all to join in making and appreciating art regardless of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disability.
• We value and seek a diverse leadership of Board, committees, and volunteers.
• We treat everyone with respect and equity on all levels of planning, governance, education, programs, and communication.
• We embrace all art forms where visual arts can be enhanced.
• We provide opportunities for artists to share their creativity with the community.

The Mispillion Art League (MAL) was founded in 2004 by people who had a love for visual arts and wanted to both share their knowledge and provide opportunities for the community to make art. Guided by the mission, we began to share art through semi-annual exhibits and a few classes.

To further address the “community-wide” feature of our mission, we initially reached out to three area nonprofit organizations, offering art classes designed specifically for the clients they serve. This start of our Outreach Programs brought in residents of Milford’s local, under-served populations and was made possible by a grant from The Eunice S. Reed Fund, managed by the Milford Lion’s Club.

The three initial Outreach Programs were and continue today:

• The Salvation Army’s Creative HeARTs Program for mentally challenged adults. Monthly, free art classes are taught to participants by a professional artist.
• People’s Place shelter for battered women working to find their path to growth and independence. As each woman is struggling to begin a new life, monthly art opportunities allow them to join, relax, and let go of stress in a safe space.
• Stevenson House Detention Center for pre-adjudicated males and females under 18. Residents are assigned weekly goals to help them improve on a personal target behavior. Residents who have earned required positive behavior points may attend a group art class. Instructors bring all the art supplies to class.

The Art League has grown from its modest beginnings to a 350-person membership organization serving households from 27 zip codes. We have gallery space for art exhibits and a dedicated classroom space. We offer classes for ages 5 and up, beginners to professional artists.

Our Outreach Program needs have increased over the years. Thanks to grants from Kent County Fund for the Arts we now are able to provide art education for clients of Home of The Brave I and II (HOB) and Kent-Sussex Industries (KSI). HOB I and II are residential facilities for honorably discharged homeless male and female veterans. KSI is a not for profit vocational rehabilitation organization whose mission is to assist people with disabilities in the pursuit of their potential in employment and meaningful participation in their communities.

The Need

These Outreach Programs, most of which are free to the organizations and participants, have been very successful for everyone involved, as well as the community at large. MAL wants to continue offering these workshops, our extensive educational programs, and add more art opportunities so we continue to meet the needs of our expanding community.

In order to continue supporting our mission and forward growth, reliable funding is imperative. While we do apply for and receive grants, we cannot rely on these dwindling resources to keep the lights on and the rent paid. As a financially responsible organization, we continue to brainstorm and produce fundraising strategies.

We firmly believe in the power of art to heal and uplift individuals and entire communities and so are asking that YOU be a part of OUR amazing organization, the Mispillion Art League!

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Best Buddies events have an average attendance of 20 to 26.

Senior Citizens Workshops: MAL offers art workshops for seniors. These workshops present a variety of artistic mediums for a nominal fee to participants. Attendance at these semi-annual workshops is 50 seniors, usually with a waiting list!

Summer Art Kickoff: This free community event is designed to a variety of crafts and art activities with children and families. Attendees are given information on upcoming classes and scholarship availabilities to encourage everyone to sign up for art lessons.