For many neurodivergent individuals, public spaces can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to engage in recreational activities others might take for granted, like attending an art class and connecting with the broader community. Sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and social expectations can turn seemingly ordinary situations into daunting experiences.
Schools, like Kingswood High School, provide essential structured environments for students with special needs. Paraprofessionals like Kagan Weeks, help students develop coping mechanisms to eventually transition beyond the classroom, but finding public spaces to aid this transition remains a challenge. Amanda King, an artist and Makers Mill member, recognized the lack of opportunities for neurodivergent individuals in northern New Hampshire. Inspired by the inclusive Outsider Art Fair in New York City, she collaborated with Kingswood Regional High School and Makers Mill to design Adaptive Arts, an after-school program where neurodivergent youth and young adults can practice artmaking within the semi-public realm of Makers Mill fine arts studio.
The Adaptive Arts program launched as a four-week pilot in March 2023, serving five teens. With the pilot’s success, Amanda secured a Youth Arts Project Grant through the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts to extend the program throughout 2024. This funding allows up to ten students, aged 13 to 23, to attend one-hour art sessions at Makers Mill each week, accompanied by an occupational therapist.
The program takes an unstructured approach, allowing participants to explore freely. Instead of formal lesson plans, each session offers a “buffet” of art materials based on the participants’ preferences. This design encourages students to experiment and use their imagination without expectations.
“We are trying to grow the students as artists and help them pursue different things and encourage them with their natural artistic ability in a freer form structure so they can use their imagination,” Amanda explains. “These kids are told in many ways that they are not enough, and we want to encourage them in their wonderfulness”
A key feature of the program is its setting. The open floor plan of the Makers Mill studio allows students to co-work alongside artists of all ages. This fosters organic interactions between participants and community members. Amanda recalls a heartwarming moment with one of the quieter students, Robin.
“Robin was working on a painting, and she had the biggest grin on her face,” Amanda shares. “It was amazing to see how proud she felt.” During that session, Makers Mill member Phyllis MacDonald stopped by to chat with Robin, asking her about the shapes and colors she was using. “It made Robin feel like what she was doing mattered.”
Another participant, 21-year-old Bella, became a regular attendee. Her experience with the program grew into something even more meaningful: a job at Makers Mill. Now, Bella works two mornings a week, assisting with check-ins, organizing materials, sweeping, and cleaning. After her shift, she stays to create art. Bella’s story highlights how the Mill is not only fostering artistic expression but also supporting the local workforce development.
The Adaptive Arts program at Makers Mill is more than just an art class—it’s a place where neurodivergent individuals feel valued, connected, and empowered. By blending creativity with community, Amanda and Kagan are helping participants take meaningful steps toward independence and inclusion.