A Seed of an Idea

Founder, Jane Avila, a licensed clinical social worker, wanted to share her personal experience of the healing power of art with others. After the suicide of her 14-year-old son, Jonathan, in 1993, Jane sank into a depression. In the midst of her struggle, a flyer landed in her mailbox offering art therapy classes at the Art Therapy Institute in Dallas. Always believing in the power of art to heal, the classes did for Jane what no pills or counseling could. With her healing came the eventual founding of The Art Station in July 2003, now housed in a historic fire station built in 1922 and located near the south-side medical district.

Both the building’s revitalization and the establishment of the non-profit organization were a family affair. Jane’s husband, John, owner of Thos. S. Byrne construction, mobilized the entire Fort Worth construction industry to complete the restoration in record time. For its efforts, Byrne won the 2005 Preservation Texas Rehabilitation Award. Her son, Matthew, initially serving as the Community Development Director, was instrumental in acquiring the financial support the new agency needed.

The Art Station Takes Root and Blossoms

Funded through client fees, individual and corporation gifts and foundation grants, The Art Station works with a number of local schools and non-profit agencies to develop programs, train staff and volunteers and provide supportive art therapy and art enrichment activities.

The agency also provides individual and group therapy to children and adults living in Tarrant and surrounding counties. In its first 18 months, The Art Station provided 330 hours of art therapy to approximately 65 clients. In 2007, those numbers grew to nearly 1000 hours of art therapy with approximately 220 clients.

Because of the incredible response to its offerings, The Art Station added a second full-time art therapist in 2005. By 2007, the therapeutic team grew to include 6 therapists.

Planting the Seeds for Future Growth

The services provided by The Art Station are unique and do not duplicate anything that other mental health agencies in North Texas are offering. The result is that the agency’s services are in great demand by more and more organizations and families. As part of its mission, The Art Station strives to never turn anyone away who desires services or is unable to pay for treatment. To meet this goal in the future, The Art Station will need to expand its services, its staff, and its facilities. In five short years, Jane’s vision for The Art Station has quickly become a reality, but she still has many plans for The Art Station. Your generous support will help The Art Station grow and flourish for many years to come. Please consider donating.

Making a Contribution

Individual and corporate donations are especially important to fulfilling our mission to provide growth and healing through the creative arts. For more information about participating in our annual giving society, in-kind donations, or volunteering, please contact Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director, at (817)921-2401 or by EMAIL.

Every gift, large or small, makes an impact in the lives of our clients. Gifts of any amount are always appreciated.

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The Art Station
1616 Park Place Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817-921-2401