Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Gross.
Hi Lucy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the Director of External Relations and one of the Co-Founders of SAGE Studio, a studio and gallery space for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I started SAGE with my partner, Katie Stahl, in late 2017- initially just working with one artist at my kitchen table. Our goal was to create a space for artists with disabilities in the contemporary art scene here in Austin. Over the years, we have grown and had the amazing opportunity to put on thirteen exhibitions, work with artists from progressive studios across the world, and participate in international art fairs. SAGE Studio has recently made a BIG leap from our tiny trailer studio to a much larger space within Canopy Austin which will allow us to serve even more incredible artists.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
People with disabilities have historically been institutionalized and siphoned into segregated spaces. Creating inclusive and accessible environments is not an easy thing. Additionally, up until this year, I have been working full-time as a special education teacher and the program director for a post-secondary program for adults with disabilities. This year I am able to teach part-time and devote more hours to the growth and success of SAGE. Still, it can feel like there are not enough hours in the day. However, I have an invaluable partner, Katie, and Austin is very supportive community. We are so grateful for all of the folks who help make this possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since SAGE is a two (wo)man operation, Katie and I do a little bit of everything. So much of what we do has been through trial and error, which can admittedly be a little discouraging and a lot humbling. I focus most of my time at SAGE working directly with artists in the studio, curating and executing exhibitions, and looking for partnerships and opportunities for our artists in the community.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I, myself, am not a practicing artists. I have always felt a bit on the fringe of the arts community. I realized through starting SAGE, that you can add value to the arts by supporting and lifting up its makers.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@sagestudioatx.com
- Website: sagestudioatx.com
- Instagram: @sagestudioatx
Image Credits
Whitney Arostegui
Chelsea Francis
