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WELCOME TO DONNA LEXA ART CENTERS

Our Mission
To promote creativity, dignity and community for people with disabilities and special needs through art.

Our Vision
A gathering place to learn, explore and experience the creative process – for adults of all abilities and special needs.

Core Values
At Donna Lexa Community Art Centers, we promote and celebrate the following core values:
Creativity, Curiosity, Friendship, Respect, Growth and Success

The Donna Lexa Art Centers currently serve adults and teens with cognitive and physical disabilities, as well as individuals with mental health concerns. In addition, we provide art classes for senior citizens dealing with the challenges of aging.

Involvement in our art programming strengthens self-esteem, fosters independence, and provides new ways to express feelings. Art develops creative and critical thinking, which not only teaches our student artists new skills, but also provides a sense of well-being and enjoyment.

Learn about our current Programs/Classes

DLAC ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR!

Waukesha, WI – August 10, 2020 – Donna Lexa Art Centers (DLAC), a nonprofit providing life-enriching creative and personal development opportunities to adults with disabilities and special needs, is proud to announce the hire of Megwyn Sanders-Andrews, Ph.D., as executive director, replacing Rosemary Pearson who is retiring August 14, 2020.

“The addition of Megwyn will further strengthen the Donna Lexa Art Centers’ high quality staff,” stated Stephanie Ohlfs, DLAC Board Chair. “Her vast experience in the arts and passion for inclusion make her a perfect fit to lead DLAC into the future, and we are excited to have her as part of the team.”

Since 2002, Megwyn has dedicated her career to accessibility in the arts for youth and adults with disabilities, people with severe and persistent mental illness, elders, under-served and under-represented youth and those who have experienced trauma. She has demonstrated a vigorous commitment, in the nearly 20 years of her career, to programs that promote self-expression, confidence and joy; support vital critical thinking, collaborative and creative skills; and foster inclusive, engaged communities through innovative initiatives and partnerships.

Most recently, Megwyn had been working with the Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM) as an access for all coordinator where she helped support access, diversity and inclusion. Prior to CTM, Megwyn served as program director for ARTS for ALL Wisconsin. As program director, she oversaw statewide art programs for children and adults with disabilities in early childhood, K-12 and community settings, including Open Studio and residency programs. Her experience includes strategic planning, supervising staff and teaching artists; managing budgets and operations; forming and maintaining collaborative partnerships with schools and community organizations; developing diverse and sustainable funding sources; and program evaluation and reporting.

In her new role as executive director of DLAC, Megwyn will be responsible for the overall operation of the organization, including fund development, financial planning, marketing, and organizational leadership. She will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for DLAC’s staff, programs and expansion.

Megwyn earned her Ph.D. in interdisciplinary theatre studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her master’s degree in performance studies from New York University and her bachelor’s degree in theatre from Southeast Missouri State University.

GROUP SCHEDULE

If you are interested in returning to DLAC wearing masks and gloves in the studio, below you will see the groups that have spots available. Please contact Amber Brown, Program Manager via email programmgr@donnalexa.org or call the office at 262-521-2292.

  • Waukesha
    1. Monday
      1. 3:30 – 5:30pm: Full
      2. 6-8pm: (1 spot open)
    2. Tuesday
      1. 10 – 12 am: Full
      2. 12:30-2:30pm: (1 spot open)
      3. 3- 5 pm: (1 spot open)
    3. Wednesday
      1. 1-3pm: Full
    4.  Thursday
      1. 10 -12pm: Full
      2. 12:45-2:45pm: Full
  • West Milwaukee:
    1. Tuesday
      1. 9:30 – 11:30: Full
      2. 12:30 – 2:30: Full
    2. Wednesday
      1. 9:30 – 11:30: Full
      2. 12:30 – 2:30: (2 spot open)
    3. Thursday
      1. 9:30-11:30: (1 spot open)
      2. 12:30-2:30: (1 spot open)
      3. 3:00 – 5:00: (2 spots open)

 ***UPDATED EVENT DATE***

35th Anniversary Gotta Have Art Celebration & Auction

Friday, May 14, 2021

Dear Donna Lexa Art Center Supporters:

We continue to take all necessary precautions to safeguard our students, staff, volunteers and the community at large from the continued prevalence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  We currently find it necessary to move the 2020 Gotta Have Art 35th anniversary celebration and auction from October 16, 2020 to May 14, 2021.

As you know, Gotta Have Art is our major gala event of the year.  We enjoy celebrating with all of you and the ability to thank you in person for your support. This decision was not made easily.  However, we look forward to celebrating in person with you in May 2021!

And, we are also planning some very special on-line events to kick off our annual fundraising drive in November.  Just wait to see what we have planned!  Fun!  Prizes!  Special events!  Can’t wait to see you all on-line in November.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office (262) 521-2292.

DLAC IS LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS

Our Board of Directors’ goal is to help ensure effective and fiscally-sound programs and operations by providing vision, leadership, and direction.  We are looking for individuals who are committed to our mission and the programs of our organization.  If you are interested please visit our Board of Directors page for more information.

WEATHER CLOSINGS

In the case of severe weather, we will generally follow the public schools in cancelling classes during the school year, and our instructors will make a decision based on student safety during the summer. We will attempt to notify all students of closings.

We will always post our closings on Today’s TMJ4,  under the business closings for the county in which the class takes place. We will also post it here on our website, and we will have a message on our phone, so you can call 262-521-2292 to confirm a closing at any of our locations.