Nestled in the heart of downtown Rochester, Paint a Miracle stands as a beacon of hope, art, and transformation. The studio’s origin traces back to a fateful day in May 1985, when Dr. Dale Propson and his son were hit head-on by a drunk driver. This tragedy left Dale with a traumatic brain injury and the loss of most of his eyesight. Despite a bleak prognosis, including months in a coma and years of rehabilitation, Dale's spirit remained unbroken. And so began the extraordinary journey that would lead to the creation of Paint a Miracle, an art studio like no other.
It wasn’t until a decade later, in 1995, that the true power of art began to heal Dale. His first mentor, Helen Cunniff, owned an art studio in Lake Orion and had a unique vision for what art could do for the human spirit. When Dale expressed his hesitation, claiming, “I can’t paint, I can’t see,” Helen offered him words that would become a guiding light: “You don’t need your eyes to paint. The image goes from your brain to your heart to your hand.” That Christmas, Dale returned home with four paintings, representing the four seasons, and gave them to his wife. "We all sat there and cried," remembers Shelly Propson Lennon, Dale’s daughter and Executive Director of Paint a Miracle.
Helen not only taught Dale to paint; she restored his dignity and ignited a new sense of purpose in his life. Dale's newfound passion for art inspired him to suggest the idea of opening a studio for people like him, those living with disabilities, to experience the same healing power of creativity. In 2002, Shelly, along with her mother and brothers, helped make Dale’s dream a reality. Paint a Miracle opened its doors in a small space at the Rochester Community House with a single class of four people, Dale included. The mission was simple yet profound: to offer fine art programming to individuals facing challenges that would otherwise keep them from traditional art centers.
“Our vision was to create a space that empowers artists to redefine themselves, whether they want to become working artists or just come once a week to be part of a supportive and creative community,” Shelly shares. And that’s precisely what Paint a Miracle has done for over two decades. From traumatic brain injuries and developmental disabilities to mental health challenges, the studio welcomes all with open arms.
The artists create works that range from acrylics and watercolors to ceramics, fiber arts, and even encaustic (wax-based) painting. But Paint a Miracle doesn’t stop at the creation of art. It goes one step further, emphasizing the importance of exhibiting and selling the artwork. “When our artists sell their work, it creates a sense of ownership and accomplishment,” says Shelly. Paint a Miracle’s artists have exhibited at notable venues like Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize and currently at Rochester’s Busy Buzz, with many pieces selling to eager buyers.
Their artists have a true gift to share with the community, which goes beyond their art. Paint a Miracle attracts individuals who have made a choice not to be defined by their losses, people who possess the ability to choose joy over despair, even in the face of incredible challenges. This model of resilience and gratitude is one we can all learn from, as it embodies the spirit of strength and optimism that radiates throughout the studio.
Paint a Miracle holds two major annual events that showcase the artists’ work: a fall fundraiser at Meadow Brook Hall on November 13th, 2024, and a spring luncheon at the Royal Park Hotel on May 9th, 2025. “When we first started, we never imagined having over 500 people attending these events, celebrating our artists,” Shelly beams.
In addition to these events, Paint a Miracle works tirelessly to forge partnerships with local organizations. Their adaptive art classes reach beyond the studio, with outreach programs in schools, Alzheimer’s associations, and rehabilitation centers. “We see ourselves as adaptive art specialists in the community,” Shelly explains. "Art gives people a voice and a sense of purpose."
The real magic of Paint a Miracle lies in the relationships that blossom within its walls. “A truly rewarding part of being at the studio is how it grounds you,” Shelly says thoughtfully. “It reminds us what’s truly important in life, relationships, resilience, hope and gratitude.” Shelly emphasizes how integral community support is to the studio’s continued success. “We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have the support of the community in Rochester and our donors because the majority of our funding comes through donations.”
Additionally, local businesses have the opportunity to display the studio’s artwork, helping to support the artists and bring their creations to a wider audience. Shelly is deeply committed to continuing her father's legacy, ensuring that Paint a Miracle remains a place where art is accessible to all. “We all have our disabilities,” she says, “some more visible than others, but our job is to make the impossible possible.”
And with every brushstroke, every smile, and every sale, Paint a Miracle continues to do just that, one masterpiece at a time.
“You don’t need your eyes to paint. The image goes from your brain to your heart to your hand.” – Helen Cunniff
“I don’t want to live in a world that doesn’t include art because it makes life more beautiful, more meaningful, and it says things that words cannot.” - Shelly Propson Lennon