Locals share impact of new Inclusive Arts Clubhouse since opening day in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The new Inclusive Arts Clubhouse is sparking curiosity among visitors across Santa Barbara. 

"I'm happy, glad and excited," said participant Alyona Jerdeea of Inclusive Arts Clubhouse.

The Grace Fisher Foundation designed the clubhouse for youths with a disability.

"It’s special to me because I like to hang out with friends," said participant Jasmine Ceje of Inclusive Arts Clubhouse.

The clubhouse provides a safe space for those with all abilities.

"People are excited ... they come in and want to know everything about it ... they want to plug into programs and there is something for everybody here," said artistic director Sara Wilcox of Inclusive Arts Clubhouse.
"It’s amazing ... we are so excited ... there’s a place where we can come together," said director Polly Pelly of Win Program.

The clubhouse offers programs for kids and adults of all abilities.

"}My hope is more people will come here and join the community," said Jerdeea.

"My hope is I want a lot of people to come," said Ceje.

The clubhouse is focused on giving children and young adults a place to express themselves through art, music, dance and other creative activities.

The inclusive space was founded by Grace Fisher who became paralyzed from the neck down at age 17.

"This is a place where we can come ... be appreciated ... be welcomed ... and network in our community," said Pelly.

My projection is it’s going to be busy when more people find out about it," said Wilcox.

There are also programs for adults living with conditions such as MS, Parkinson's Disease and Spinal Cord Injuries.

Since the launch of the Grace Fisher Foundation, Fisher's goal has been to connect kids with disabilities to the creative arts.

The Inclusive Arts Clubhouse is located at La Cumbre Plaza, Space F 118, next to the Museum of Sensory and Movement Experience.

The clubhouse includes creation stations for art classes, a dance floor, gallery walls for art exhibits, as well as quiet areas.

There is also a retail space featuring local artwork for sale.

Fisher's hope is the clubhouse will become a place for artistic activity with people of all abilities coming together.

For more information on the Grace Fisher Foundation, please visit gracefisherfoundation.org/clubhouse.