People Around Us
After-School Art Classes
Hands Create • Minds Solve • Hearts Grow
Art Classes for Adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Fig. 1. One Step Beyond: Students accomplished their individual and collective group projects at Art Bias.
"Art doesn't need to be perfect, it needs to be alive, engaging, and accessible."
_Leila Ghasempor
Over the course of five weekly sessions, I designed and taught a series of inclusive art experiences for adult learners at One Step Beyond. Each class introduced a different project that encouraged creativity, self-expression, collaboration, and sensory exploration through a variety of artistic mediums, including sculpture, installation, painting, murals, and textiles. The five projects
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Wings of Hope – A collaborative textile installation celebrating resilience, hope, and transformation.
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I Matter – A mixed-media project encouraging self-worth and personal identity.
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We Are the Butterfly – A community mural exploring belonging, inclusion, and individual uniqueness.
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My Cat Has a Name – A playful sculpture project encouraging storytelling and emotional connection.
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Self-portrait – A mixed-media portrait inspired by Larry Bissonnette, celebrating identity and self-expression.
—were thoughtfully designed to celebrate each participant's individuality while creating opportunities for meaningful artistic expression. Using eco-friendly and tactile materials such as fabric, yarn, and tree branches, students explored weaving, wrapping, tying, painting, and mixed-media techniques in ways that were accessible, engaging, and joyful.
Several projects were inspired by artists whose lives demonstrate the transformative power of creativity. Textile explorations were influenced by Judith Scott, whose extraordinary fiber sculptures redefined contemporary art and highlighted the creative voices of people with disabilities. The Self-Portrait project drew inspiration from Larry Bissonnette, an autistic, non-speaking artist whose work demonstrates how art can become a powerful form of communication and self-expression.
Working with the students at One Step Beyond was a deeply rewarding experience. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and unique artistic voices reminded me that creativity belongs to everyone. Each session reinforced my belief that when art is made accessible and inclusive, it empowers people to express themselves, build confidence, and experience the joy of creating in a supportive community.
Reflection on Teaching for One Step Beyond
This video is a moment of reflection from my time teaching with the incredible students of One Step Beyond. This session is part of an ongoing inclusive arts program at Art Bias, made possible through the generous support of Dragonfly Community Arts. Endless thanks to Art Bias, Dragonfly Community Arts, the dedicated staff, and especially the students of One Step Beyond — your creativity and energy continue to inspire me
Projects for Commission on Disabilities
Fig.2. Butterfly necklace workshop for the Commission on Disabilities, held at the Center for Creativity (2025)
"There is something truly heartwarming about creating with your hands and seeing it bring a smile to someone’s face. Moments like these remind us that art has the power to connect people beyond words."
_Leila Ghasempor
It was an honor to be a small part of *the 7th Annual Inclusion Festival 2026* hosted by the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities to create The Inclusion Butterfly for 7th Annual Inclusion Festival. I upcycled some of extra flags we had into butterflies. Participants stopped at our booth and made their inclusion butterfly to be displayed at CFC.
Disability inclusion is about ensuring everyone is welcomed, valued, respected, and given the opportunity to participate, create, and belong. Together, we can build communities where every person is seen for their unique strengths. Thanks to everyone who attended and all wonderful organizers🙋♀️🌸💗🦋
2026 The Butterfly Inclusion for Commission on Disabilities
Fig.3. Butterfly brooches workshop for the Commission on Disabilities, held at the Inclusion Festival (2026)