Live Yes Studios: Bridging Creativity and Community

Live Yes Studios is a vibrant nonprofit art studio on a mission to empower disabled artists through creative expression, artistic resources, and community partnerships.

BY MARCUS FERTIG

Here, artists find a professional space that encourages artistic expression and personal growth and offers opportunities beyond the canvas. Through skill-building and integration into the local workforce, Live Yes teaches professional skills that allow artists to thrive.

Natasha Scholz and Micah Snyder are the dedicated leaders at Live Yes. “I have always been drawn to the therapeutic value of art,” says Scholz, who started as an intern when Live Yes opened its doors in 2009. “It's a good place, a bunch of people having fun and creating together,” she adds. After attending Live Yes, Micah, who spent eight years in art school, discovered his passion for human services. Together, they have committed to fostering a space where artists can connect, express, and heal through creativity.

Live Yes Studios invites artists into a world of expression with various mediums—drawing, painting, ceramics, digital art, music, podcasting, writing, fiber arts, and more. “We look at it as a professional art studio,” says Snyder, emphasizing the quality. Each day typically includes two classes, with the rest of the time set for open studio hours, allowing artists to dive into their projects.

“We have artists that will blow people away when we get back to our monthly shows,” Snyder adds.

The classes change often, but one remains the same: the Friday dance party. “Nobody would attend Friday afternoon class, so one day, we just blasted music, and everybody loved it,” said Natasha. It’s safe to say that Live Yes has created quite a unique environment.

In 2024, the studio faced an unexpected challenge. On February 28th, they learned some shocking news: their financial backers in Philadelphia were struggling with a deficit and would be forced to shut down Live Yes Studios at the end of June.

For Natasha and Micah, this was a call to action. Determined to keep the studio alive, they turned Live Yes into an independent nonprofit—an undertaking that typically takes six to twelve months. “Collectively, we decided that if there was a way, we want to do it ourselves, " said Scholz.

With support from new business partners like Craig Roper, they were able to achieve the near impossible and become an independent nonprofit provider in record time. Still, their biggest hurdle stood in the way: funding. “There's a lot of ups and downs; we roughly figured out that we needed to raise about $100,000 in a month,” said Micah Snyder. The goal was daunting, but they pressed forward.

They met with a financial consultant who was endeared by Live Yes Studios' mission and wanted to help. This partnership raised just enough funds to keep the studio thriving.

“There is some feeling of fate,” said Natasha, acknowledging the remarkable journey to keep the studio on track.

Currently, Live Yes Studios resides in a temporary space while construction of their new, expanded studio is underway. By early 2025, their artists will enjoy more than double their

current space, with room to host regular art shows. These shows present the opportunity for community members to purchase artwork, with 100% of each sale going directly to the artist.

“They ask to see the new studio every day, “said Natasha, sharing the excitement of the artists.

Over the last year, Live Yes Studios has had quite the journey. Thanks to Natasha Scholz and Micah Snyder's determination, the community's support, and the generosity of donors, Live Yes Studios emerges with a promising future ahead. Their new studio will symbolize their perseverance and creativity.

Contact 402-904-4216 for more information on donating or volunteering.

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