Debbie Kizer
Some people are natural ‘bridge-builders’, bringing people together whose lives might not otherwise touch. They often have a knack for seeing hidden potential and forging fruitful connections…and acquire a track record of changing lives forever. Debbie Kizer fits that description beautifully.
Kizer is the Founder and Executive Director of ‘Imagine Art’, a Christian ministry in Austin, Texas that empowers artists with and without disabilities to gain professional skills and pursue careers in the visual arts, in a supportive and caring community setting.
“We want Imagine Art to be a place where artists experience the presence of God,” says Kizer. “We value every life as a work of art, and see every day as an opportunity for transformation.”
From humble beginnings in 1997, Imagine Art is now a 10,000 sq. ft. space, where up to 65 artists engage in art weekly. On any given day, you can find about 25 artists at work – painting, drawing, creating digital art or working on ceramics, fused glass and fabric creations. It’s a busy place. Volunteer mentors work with the artists, and there are also volunteers working in the kitchen, the coffee bar, the garden, and the prayer room. There are small, cosy studio spaces, and a large, friendly, open studio. An Art Director makes sure that all the artists have the supplies they need.
Face of Jesus, by Donald Hein
Imagine Art also has two gallery spaces, where artists regularly display their work and welcome the public to purchase the very affordable works of art being created here. Other artists in Austin also use the galleries for their own exhibits, and various arts groups rent space in the building – including a theatre group, a puppet-maker and a dance troupe. It is a diverse, inclusive space, where artists thrive and learn from each other. Kizer couldn’t be happier to see how it has evolved.
“Some of our artists have multiple physical disabilities, or suffer from mental illness, or are developmentally delayed, “says Kizer. “Some are homeless, and many live in poverty. One thing many of them have in common is that they feel isolated and unfulfilled. Our goal is to change that.”
Imagine Art provides free noontime meals five days a week, and dinner three days a week. Kizer has witnessed how a compassionate, welcoming atmosphere and a shared passion for art builds community.
“We’re a family,” says Kizer. “Artists helping artists, encouraging each other, mothering each other – all that builds strong bonds. And when you bring all these people together every day, making art, eating together, gardening together, helping each other get through challenges…well, it’s very, very rewarding.”
The Imagine Art Studio
Community isn’t always easy.
“It takes time for some members in our community to start trusting others,” says Kizer. “But we extend a million miles of grace. We know that many of them have been hurt over and over again in their lives. ”
Kizer knows firsthand all about the need for grace. Her own life story is as captivating as the story of the organization she founded. In fact, she considers Imagine Art to be a place of healing and recovery for herself personally.
Born in Houston, Kizer had a tumultuous early life and a history of alcoholism and drug addiction. While working toward a psychology degree at Sam Houston State University, she hung around with artists and found herself living vicariously through them – craving an outlet for her creativity. After graduation, she worked in a rehabilitation hospital and later as a job coach for people with disabilities. She loved her work, and found that she could relate to her clients’ struggles.
Crayons in the Rain, by John Molina
“So many of them had traumatic experiences in their lives. We all understood each other and could help each other,” says Kizer. “They were so accepting and non-judgmental – and their loneliness mirrored my loneliness.”
Even as Kizer continued to struggle with her addictions and was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, she knew she wanted to somehow combine her love for art and the satisfaction she felt helping people with disabilities. She joined Alcoholics Anonymous and kicked her addictions. But it was joining an Alpha Program at a Vineyard Church that really changed her world.
“I got connected with all these believers, and I just couldn’t get enough,” says Kizer. “I was so hungry and ready, like a little baby. I became a born-again believer.”
Kim Witt on the ceramics wheel
Kizer pushed forward with her dream of combining art with disability. She started small – accompanying disabled clients to art classes, and at the same time, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about making art herself. Then came her “aha!” moment. Instead of transporting people to community art classes, why not find some space and create her own art program?
“I was able to get some free space, and bartered for more,” says Kizer, “and before long I was offering workshops to my clients, building a community, creating an organization. At first I didn’t think of it as a ministry, but that perspective grew with time. And as it grew, I grew. The growth of Imagine Art paralleled my own growth – spiritually and artistically.”
Now married and the mother of two, Kizer is a flourishing artist herself – currently working on illustrations for a children’s book. And she has now set her sight on an even greater dream – SMARTOWN.
Life Drawing Class with Jordan Rodgers and Chris Wooten
Kizer is prayerfully discussing her bold idea with stakeholders. She envisions a community that offers a safe, inclusive campus environment, one that welcomes and supports the presence of people with significant disabilities. It would involve restoring historical buildings in the core of Austin to create affordable housing and space for artist engagement – in short, an arts district that solves the age old problem of segregation and isolation; a community of like-minded players who creatively engage and support the presence of people with disabilities.
As Kizer continues to share her dream – and work towards making it come true – she looks back on her life in amazement.
All Creation Comes, by Debbie Kizer
“God has done so much more than I could ever have thought possible in my life,” says Kizer. “Some days I have to pinch myself.”
Visit www.imagineart.net for more information.
All images courtesy of ImagineArt.
