Sioux City Art Center Celebrates Artwork by Mid-Step Services Members

The Sioux City Art Center has partnered with Mid-Step Services on a year-long art workshop program designed to support creative expression for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program began in February 2025 and consisted of bi-weekly art classes held throughout the year. A total of 50 Mid-Step members participated in the program.

Each 50-minute class introduced participants to a variety of artistic mediums, encouraging experimentation and providing opportunities to explore new ways to express themselves creatively. Through painting, drawing, and mixed media, students developed skills, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Mid-Step Services, founded in 1977, is a local nonprofit organization that provides residential and life enrichment services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. The organization focuses on helping individuals live full, meaningful lives while engaging with their community in purposeful ways.

The artistic achievements of students will be shared publicly with an exhibition at the Gilchrist Learning Center from February 5 through March 5, 2026. The public is invited to attend a reception on Friday, February 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Gilchrist Learning Center, 220 Pierce Street, where guests can meet participating artists and view selected works from the exhibition.

The Gilchrist Learning Center opened in 2018 and is a standalone education facility of the Sioux City Art Center. The center helps increase public access to education programs in Siouxland with art education classes and workshops for youth and adults, youth summer camps, school programs, and community outreach events.

"I love the Art Classes because the teachers show me how to make awesome crafts and I am able to try new things," said John, Mid-Step Services member.

The Sioux City Art Center is proud to support programs that encourage artists of all abilities to discover, explore, and create original art. This program was made possible through a grant from the Gilchrist Foundation and will continue for a second year in 2026 with support from a generous donor to Mid-Step Services.