Join an afterschool creative community where you can try different art forms, express yourself, and make new friends.

This program is all about choice—students decide how often they attend (1, 2, or all 3 days per week) and what kind of art they want to create. With experienced teaching artists guiding the way, teens will have the freedom to experiment, collaborate, and develop their own artistic voice.

There are very few creative after-school spaces designed for disabled youth.

We’re here to change that!

Hosted by Creativity Explored, this program offers a welcoming, inclusive space for teens to explore their creativity, develop artistic skills, and connect with a supportive community.

This program helps students see themselves as artists, whether for fun or as a future career.

 
Laron Bickerstaff, Untitled, 2020, mixed media on paper, 23 x 35 inches

Can I join Imaginate Teen?

  • Do you like to make art?

  • Do you live in the Bay Area?

  • Do you get help from a Regional Center for people with disabilities?

  • Do you get help from a social worker or case manager?

  • Do you have an intellectual or developmental disability?

    • Autism? Down Syndrome? Cerebral Palsy?

    • Another disability?

  • Are you a middle or high schooler and between the ages of 11–18?

If you answered YES
You may be able to join Imaginate Teen! ✨

How do I Join?

Step 1: Contact us

You, your family, your caretaker, your social worker or case manager can contact us via email or phone.

Step 2: Tell your Regional Center

Your social worker or case manager can help you join Imaginate Teen!

Don’t know who your social worker or case manager is? Ask a Regional Center, or us.

Step 3: Come and try a class!

Digital Artwork by Isaias Gomez, 2024.

Imaginate Teen is an inclusive, choice-based after-school art program for young adults with disabilities in San Francisco. Designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and connection, this program provides a space to explore art on your own terms.

Program Hightlights

Inclusive Community

With a small group setting and a 1:7 staff-to-student ratio, teens receive individualized support in a welcoming, accessible space. They have opportunities to collaborate with peers and receive mentorship from the neurodiverse adult artists at Creativity Explored, fostering confidence, independence, and self-expression.

Flexibility for Families

Families can choose a schedule that works best, with options to attend one, two, or three days a week. The program is designed to be accessible, offering adaptive materials and workspaces to ensure all students can fully participate. Each semester ends with a student showcase, celebrating their creativity and growth.

Creative Exploration

Explore painting & drawing, ceramics, fiber arts, or digital media, all in a safe, inclusive environment. Students take the lead in their artistic journey, whether experimenting with new techniques or working on personal projects. No art-making experience necessary!

 

Location

Imaginate Teen! is located at Creativity Explored II, in Potrero Hill.

Schedule

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Hours

3–6 PM

*Drop-off is at 3 PM, and pick-up is at 6 PM. If your student uses alternative transportation services, please contact eleanorschiffler@creativityexplored.org to coordinate arrangements.

Comprehensive Support

Expert Staffing

  • Our dedicated team of Teaching Artists and Youth Program Associates are specially trained to work with transitional-age youth and adults with disabilities.

Inclusive Learning Environment:

  • Our bilingual staff members and adaptive teaching methods accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring artists feel welcome and supported regardless of their needs.

Emotional Growth & Social Development:

  • Through our person-centered approach, we help young artists develop confidence, social awareness, and responsible decision-making skills that extend beyond the studio.

Accessibility Without Compromise:

  • We've designed every aspect of our program with inclusivity in mind, from our physical space to our curriculum, so your child can fully participate and thrive in our creative community.

FAQs

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help! Contact eleanorschiffler@creativityexplored.org for more details.

  • Open to middle and high school students (ages 11–18) with developmental disabilities. Must be eligible for regional center services. Must provide a recent IEP during intake. No prior art experience required—just a willingness to create!

  • We Provide:

    ✔ Adaptive materials & workspaces

    ✔ Light food prep & feeding assistance

    ✔ A welcoming, accessible studio environment

    We Are Unable to Provide:

    • Toileting support

    • 1:1 aides (families must provide if needed)

    • Medication administration

    Need accommodations? Contact us to discuss how we can best support your teen!

  • Teens can choose to attend one, two, or all three days per week, and each session can be one, two, or three hours long—whatever works best for them!

  • Drop-off is at 3 PM, and pick-up is at 6 PM. If your student uses alternative transportation services, please contact eleanorschiffler@creativityexplored.org to coordinate arrangements.

  • Imaginate Teen participants have the freedom to explore painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, and digital art. Students can work on personal projects or get inspiration from their teaching artists.

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