Museum of Universal Self-Expression, Inc.

MUSE aims to connect our community to those around the globe through the arts It is our goal to enter multi-year partnerships that will gradually allow for the program to become self-sustaining at our partner organizations. Depending on the needs of our partner organization, the space available, clients available and their needs, we will be able to provide individual or group art therapy onsite at our partner organization. MUSE will provide a master-level artist and art supplies. Our partner will provide a safe and private space, access to a sink, clients and access to one staff member/volunteer to assist as needed (must have a background check and be approved to work with the group). Both MUSE and our partner organization will meet and agree upon the parameters for providing art programming on-site at the partner organization prior to the start of the program (e.g. deciding on the structure of the group, number of clients in the group, ages of clients in the group, length of time for group, dates, etc.). The MUSE objectives include the following: 1. To provide a safe and encouraging environment for individuals to uncover the Self Expression through the creative process of art making with the guidance of masters level artists. 2. To provide a safe and encouraging environment that fosters healing and growth. 3. To provide a safe and encouraging environment that fosters an increase in self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-love. 4. To provide a safe and encouraging environment for individuals to create artwork with master-level artists that creates connections internally and externally to peers, teachers, colleagues, families, neighborhoods, communities and the art world through the creative process of art making.

MUSE strategies combine art programs, public artwork display, shows and sales, media outreach, and art therapy.

MUSE was founded by professional artists and musicians, Diane Green and Bob Buchholz. MUSE has created art programs in mental health facilities, and other partners working as consultants. MUSE can bring art programs to places that have no art classes. MUSE now has a studio gallery, aka This Is It Gallery in which art shows and classes for people in need can be addressed.

We get better with every new program we create. We had an art show at a gallery in 2011 and started selling the work of the artists from Humboldt House. The artists got to keep 90% of their sales money. Today we have our own gallery where we show works of participants in our programs and mission.