About Us

Mission Statement
North Pole Studio supports careers in the arts, and exists to increase opportunities for artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities to thrive as active members of the arts community. We foster self-determination and facilitate meaningful connections through total engagement in the arts.

We believe that a collective understanding of diverse human experiences is foundational to a vibrant and whole community. Through studio practice and community engagement, we ensure that artists with autism and I/DD live as self-determined, visible, and valuable contributors to the local and national contemporary art community.

About Us

North Pole Studio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable arts organization that was co-founded in the spring of 2020 by transition specialist and educator, Sula Willson; artist and educator, Mary Ellen Andersen; founding artist, Davis Wohlford; and parent and advocate, Sarah Mensah. We are run by a determined team of artists, educators, parents, and advocates.  Our work is only possible due to the support of our dedicated community partners, volunteers, donors, and collaborators.

We are located in NW Marine Art Works, Portland’s largest collaborative of professional artist studios, where we rent a 1,200 sq/ft studio space that is shared by artists who access North Pole Studio’s programs.