Everyone has the power to be an artist. This idea is the cornerstone of The Papillon Place, a creative and social hub for artists who are different. Inspired by young artist and Roswell resident Keenan Sullivan, the space has been a long time coming; his mother, Donna, has long recognized Keenan’s creativity and says “they have always loved making art together.”
“During Covid, his classes were online, and Keenan had the opportunity to take a general education art class as well as adapted art – which is normally taught by an adapted art teacher one day a week in a self-contained room,” Donna says. “He and I collaborated daily on his art.”
One day, when his adapted art teacher was out, Keenan had the time and opportunity to watch a video about a place called Passion Works Studio, based in Ohio and employing people who have disabilities. Because her son has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and cystic fibrosis, the idea of this art studio deeply touched Donna’s heart. She knew that even though Keenan might not have the same skill set some artists might have, he nevertheless “understands everything, is smart and funny, and loves art.”
Kids and adults who have disabilities are frequently left out of opportunities, and unfairly so, Donna points out. Though other important social changes have taken place in the last decade and a half, disability continues to garner bias. Even in terms of employment, options are limited among just a few employers, like Home Depot and Publix. “As a society, we need to change the narrative when it comes to disability,” Donna says.
Changing that narrative is one of the goals at The Papillon Place – accomplished through giving kids and adults a place to creatively thrive. Named “papillon” for the word butterfly in French, the space honors the memory of Keenan’s sister, Erin, who passed away from cystic fibrosis at age 17 and was also artistic.
“Keenan and Erin had a very special connection, Donna says. “A butterfly traditionally signifies hope and change, and, through Papillon Place, we hope to provide jobs and change the bias toward individuals with developmental differences.”
The mission of Papillon Place is threefold: to connect, create and inspire, and these are further broken down by how they’re accomplished. To address creation, the space will foster collaborative art with multiple artists, all contributing salable work. For connection, community engagement will be paramount, including those with abilities who might otherwise be excluded. Finally, for inspiration, Donna and the staff have the intention to inspire the community – and help them see these artists have value and purpose.
So far things are off to a great start, according to Donna. “God placed wonderful people in our world to make all this happen,” she beams. “We have an incredibly talented board with strong business and nonprofit experience.”
Initial projects and plans for the Papillon Place include the space’s “signature” piece of art, currently in the works – a butterfly yard fixture made out of all recycled materials – as well as a teardrop camper to be converted into a mobile art studio.
“We want to eventually have a space and place that has a vibe – a place where people want to visit,” Donna says. “We hope to collaborate with other local businesses that employ people with disabilities and host community art nights and painting parties. The opportunities to connect are endless!”
To learn more, visit: https://thepapillonplace.org/
or email to connect: Donna@thepaillonplace.org
Erin's letter to Keenan at age 14,
“You Say it Best When You Say Nothing at All,” Keenan's message about life is most clearly stated.