OT Circus started as a dream and slowly molded into a community of people with disabilities and abilities. Transforming an unused facility in Albuquerque into an art gallery and space where clients and community can create and sell their art in a supported environment. The vision has grown and we are now hitting the road. Rural communities need to increase their economic self-sufficiency. Individuals in these areas have the ability to access a space that is curated by a client and/or community member that has a special interest in art in their community. OT is a profession that is afforded the ability to focus on the person, what they want to do and how they want to do it. The OT Circus is a collective of therapists dedicated to pinpointing client’s strengths and interests by developing avenues to address these areas. Clients are affected by many mental health illnesses, physical disabilities, and health concerns that keep them from doing an art project and/or finding a job that holds their interest and passions. The OT Circus is the ideal place where we can facilitate opportunities and creativity so that the clients do not feel adversely affected by these aforementioned hindrances.
The OT Circus is a registered 501c3 recognized nonprofit that exists to connect the Occupational Therapy profession with the community of Albuquerque to come together to create art, music, and friendships.
We further these purposes by:
- Conducting art workshops in a lively environment in small groups where individual clients will be comfortable and receive attentive instruction from local artists.
- Creating a space created where those with and without disabilities can showcase their art for the local community.
- Utilizing a creative approach to increase function by creating art with clients on a consistent basis.
- Providing Occupational Therapy services and work with the specific strengths and weaknesses according to the individual clients’ needs.
We believe communities are the primary social unit capable of progressive change. It is the vision of OT Circus to be a building block by working to empower and educate, and to support the Occupational Therapy profession by giving the clients an advocate, therapist, and educator to teach them the functional skills they need.
We are seeking to improve the quality of life of those with disabilities and in underserved communities by giving the opportunity and supplies for them to create artwork for profit.