
ABOUT US
A sanctuary for creativity and a beacon of inclusivity in the heart of Milford
At GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS, we provide a specialized haven for artists who require a more accommodating and empathetic environment than traditional art schools typically offer. Our facility is meticulously planned to be a sensory-safe space where the bright colors of the paint are matched only by the warmth of our welcoming community. We believe that true inclusion goes beyond simply providing a ramp; it means curating an experience that anticipates the unique sensory, physical, and emotional needs of every individual who enters our studio. From our adjustable lighting systems to our wide, unobstructed workspaces, every detail is engineered to promote independence and creative flow. Our staff consists of highly trained professionals who view their roles as both mentors and advocates, ensuring that every artist has the support they need to push the boundaries of their imagination. By fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and celebration, we turn the act of making art into an act of community building that strengthens the social fabric of Milford and beyond.
Our Educational Philosophy
Prioritizing the creative journey and the empowerment of the individual artist
Our educational philosophy is rooted in the “process-over-product” approach, which prioritizes the psychological and emotional benefits of the creative journey rather than the final aesthetic result. We believe that when an individual is given the freedom to experiment without the fear of judgment or the pressure of perfection, they unlock a level of self-confidence that transcends the studio and impacts every area of their life. At GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS, we utilize a multi-sensory teaching model that engages sight, touch, and sound, ensuring that our curriculum is accessible to those with various learning styles and sensory processing needs. Our instructors act as facilitators of discovery, providing just enough guidance to spark imagination while allowing the participant to take the lead in their own artistic narrative. This philosophy fosters a deep sense of agency and autonomy, empowering our students to take risks, solve problems creatively, and develop a personal visual language that reflects their inner world. We celebrate every stroke of the brush and every pinch of the clay as a victory of self-expression and personal growth.


Our Story: Origin and History
From a small spark of inspiration to a community cornerstone of creative healing
The origin of GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS began with a simple observation: there was a profound lack of spaces where children and adults with varying abilities could create art alongside their peers without feeling like an exception to the rule. Our founder, inspired by a personal journey with family members who struggled to find inclusive recreational outlets, envisioned a place where the “ginger snap” of a fresh idea could ignite a lifelong passion for the arts. Starting in a modest community room with just a handful of volunteers and donated supplies, we quickly realized that the demand for inclusive creative programming was far greater than we had ever imagined. The early days were characterized by intense collaboration with local families and disability advocates, whose feedback helped us refine our approach and ensure that our mission remained grounded in the actual needs of the people we served. This grassroots beginning instilled in us a culture of listening and adaptation that remains the heartbeat of our organization today. We are proud of our humble roots, as they remind us of the power of community action.
Our Journey and Growth
A timeline defined by expansion and an unwavering commitment to our core mission
As we moved through our first decade, GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS experienced a period of remarkable growth, transitioning from a part-time project into a full-scale non-profit organization with a permanent home at 9 Emmons Street. This growth was not merely measured in square footage or the number of classes offered, but in the depth of the relationships we built within the Milford community and beyond. We expanded our reach by partnering with local schools, healthcare providers, and social service agencies to bring our adaptive art programs to those who could benefit from them most. Every milestone, from the acquisition of our first kiln to the launch of our digital arts lab, has been fueled by the incredible support of our donors and the tireless dedication of our staff. Despite our expansion, we have remained fiercely protective of the intimate, family-oriented atmosphere that defined our earliest sessions, ensuring that even as we serve hundreds of individuals, no one ever feels like just a number in a database. Our growth is a reflection of the trust that families place in us every single day to provide high-quality, inclusive care.


What We Do: Program Overview
A comprehensive overview of our artistic programs and inclusive services
At GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS, we offer a diverse array of programs designed to meet the interests and needs of a wide demographic, ranging from early childhood development to adult vocational art training. Our curriculum encompasses traditional mediums such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking, as well as modern creative technologies like digital illustration and stop-motion animation. Each program is carefully structured to provide a balance of skill-building exercises and open-ended creative exploration, allowing participants to develop their technical abilities while finding their unique artistic voice. We also offer specialized workshops that focus on the intersection of art and wellness, providing tools for emotional regulation and stress relief through creative practice. Whether a participant is looking to pursue a career in the arts or simply wants a fun and social way to spend an afternoon, our programs provide a pathway to achievement and self-discovery. We take pride in offering high-quality instruction that is as rigorous as it is compassionate, ensuring that every artist reaches their full potential.
OUR MISSION
Specialized adaptive instruction tailored to the needs of every individual artist
Our mission is centered on the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which ensures that our instruction is flexible enough to accommodate the diverse ways individuals perceive and process information. We utilize visual schedules, social stories, and hands-on demonstrations to ensure that our lessons are clear and accessible to everyone, regardless of their verbal or cognitive abilities. We believe in the power of “scaffolded instruction,” where we provide significant support in the initial stages of a new skill and gradually fade that support as the participant gains mastery and confidence. This approach allows our artists to experience frequent “wins,” which builds the momentum needed to tackle more complex creative challenges. Furthermore, we prioritize the development of “soft skills” such as patience, persistence, and collaboration, recognizing that the lessons learned while working through a difficult painting or a stubborn piece of clay are invaluable life lessons that our participants will carry with them forever. We are committed to a pedagogical model that empowers rather than restricts.

Our Vision for the Future
Leading the way in national standards for inclusive and accessible arts education
Our vision is to become a nationally recognized leader in the field of inclusive arts, serving as a model for how creativity can be used to bridge social divides and empower marginalized populations. We aspire to expand our facilities to include a dedicated public gallery and a state-of-the-art vocational training center where artists with disabilities can gain the skills and credentials needed to enter the professional art world. We envision a future where every community has access to a space like GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS, and where the unique contributions of artists of all abilities are fully integrated into the mainstream cultural landscape. By continuing to innovate in the realm of adaptive technology and inclusive pedagogy, we aim to inspire a global movement that recognizes artistic expression as a fundamental pillar of human dignity and social equity. We believe that the arts have the power to change the world, and we intend to be at the forefront of that transformation by providing a blueprint for success in the inclusive arts sector.

Our Core Values and Principles
Integrity, kindness, and collaboration as the foundation of our organization
The work we do is guided by a set of core values that inform every decision we make, from the hiring of staff to the selection of our artistic curriculum. We value integrity, ensuring that our programs are always of the highest quality and that we remain transparent and accountable to the families and donors who support us. We believe in the power of kindness and empathy, fostering a culture where every person is treated with the utmost respect and where differences are celebrated rather than merely tolerated. Collaboration is at the heart of our practice, as we work closely with our participants, their families, and the broader community to ensure that our programs remain relevant and impactful. Finally, we are committed to constant growth and learning, always seeking out new ways to improve our accessibility and to better serve the diverse needs of our artistic family. These principles are not just words on a page; they are the lived experience of everyone who walks through our doors at 9 Emmons Street.

Our Lasting Community Contribution
Building a more compassionate and inclusive society through artistic expression
The impact of GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS is measured in the smiles of our students, the pride of their parents, and the vibrant artwork that adorns the walls of our local businesses and public spaces. We contribute to the community by providing a vital resource that promotes mental health, social inclusion, and lifelong learning for a population that is often overlooked. Our events and exhibitions bring people together from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose that strengthens the social fabric of Milford. We are also committed to environmental sustainability, utilizing recycled materials in our workshops whenever possible and teaching our students the importance of caring for our planet through creative reuse. Through our advocacy and outreach, we are not just changing the lives of the individuals who walk through our doors; we are changing the heart of our community, making it a more compassionate and inclusive place for everyone to live and create. Our work ensures that the talent and potential of every individual are recognized and valued by all.
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Best Optimistic guiding professionals behind the mission
Sarah Jenkins: Executive Director and Founder
Sarah Jenkins founded GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS with a vision to create a world where disability is never a barrier to creativity. With over twenty years of experience in both fine arts and special education, Sarah brings a unique perspective to the leadership of the organization. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and has spent much of her career developing adaptive curricula for non-profit organizations across the country. Sarah is known for her hands-on approach, often spending her afternoons in the studio working directly with students or mentoring new staff members. Her leadership is defined by a deep-seated belief in the potential of every individual and a commitment to creating an organizational culture that is as inclusive as the programs it offers. Under her guidance, the organization has grown from a small volunteer-run project into a thriving community pillar that serves hundreds of families each year. She is a recognized speaker and advocate for the arts as a tool for empowerment and social change.
Marcus Thorne: Lead Adaptive Arts Instructor
Marcus Thorne is a professional artist and educator who specializes in adaptive techniques for individuals with physical and sensory challenges. Marcus joined GINGERSNAP INCLUSIVE ARTS five years ago and has since become a beloved figure in our studio, known for his patience, creativity, and ability to find an artistic solution for any obstacle. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking and has completed extensive training in sensory-friendly teaching methods and the use of assistive technology in the arts. Marcus is passionate about helping students discover their own unique style and is often found designing custom tools or modifying equipment to ensure that every artist can work comfortably and independently. His warm demeanor and infectious enthusiasm make his classes a highlight of the week for many of our participants, and his dedication to his students’ success is evident in every masterpiece they create. He believes that every student has a masterpiece inside them waiting to be released through the right medium.
Elena Rodriguez: Program Coordinator and Family Liaison
Elena Rodriguez serves as the bridge between our studio and the families we serve, ensuring that every participant has a smooth and supportive experience from enrollment to exhibition. With a background in social work and community organizing, Elena is an expert at navigating the complex needs of our diverse community and providing resources and support to parents and caregivers. She is responsible for managing our class schedules, coordinating our community events, and ensuring that our programs remain accessible and affordable for all. Elena’s deep empathy and excellent communication skills make her an invaluable asset to our team, as she works tirelessly to ensure that every family feels heard and valued. She is a fierce advocate for our participants and is always looking for new ways to expand our outreach and deepen our impact within the Milford area. Her role is vital in maintaining the family-oriented atmosphere that makes our organization so special to those we serve.
David Chen: Digital Arts and Technology Specialist
David Chen brings a modern edge to our curriculum, leading our digital arts lab and teaching participants how to use technology as a tool for creative expression. David has a background in graphic design and computer science and is passionate about the ways in which digital tools can level the playing field for individuals with limited mobility. He has developed a series of specialized workshops that teach students everything from digital painting to 3D modeling, always with an emphasis on accessibility and ease of use. David is also responsible for maintaining our studio’s technological infrastructure and is constantly researching new software and hardware that can enhance the creative experience for our artists. His innovative approach and technical expertise allow our students to explore new mediums and develop skills that are highly relevant in today’s digital world. He is dedicated to proving that the digital realm offers endless possibilities for artists of all abilities to thrive and succeed.













