who is

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Program History

Elbow Room was formed in 2020 after the closure of various day programs due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Initially, the mission was to keep a community of artists engaged with socially engaged artistic practice while sheltering in place.

Elbow Room began as a volunteer coordinated virtual art group in December 2020. For seven days a week, participants could hang out with community members, socialize and make art. Art supplies were gathered and distributed to artists’ homes. In 2021, small group began to meet in public to make art in person. As time went on, various community spaces offered to host Elbow Room groups for the day. 

After gaining nonprofit status, Elbow Room was able to secure a studio/gallery space in SE Portland in August 2022. Artists supported by various provider organizations began to use the space and materials to explore creativity and participate in the latest iteration of a sustained art community.

Elbow Room was granted a license from the Oregon Office of Developmental Disability Services in 2025, and began operating as an independent provider organization in 2026.

Mission

Elbow Room is a non-profit community art studio and gallery in SE Portland focused on providing material support, mentorship, and meaningful exhibition and collaboration opportunities for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We center the individual interests, needs, and goals of the artists we work with, and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for artists to experiment, collaborate, and explore new modes of communication.