About Uncommon Ground Creative

Uncommon Ground Creative was born from my desire to spend the rest of my working life doing something I love—with people I love.

As retirement began to feel less like a faraway idea and more like an approaching reality, I decided it was time to start building the life I wanted beyond my corporate career.

For me, that life is filled with creativity, connection, color—and a whole lot more fun.

Why art?

I discovered art in my 50s during a particularly stressful time in my life.

It began with adult coloring. After filling several books with detailed, layered color, I decided I was tired of coloring other people’s pictures.

So I tried drawing my own—and it worked!

Then I took classes in colored pencil and watercolor and began following artists online whose work—and personalities—I connected with. Which really means I liked them!

Shout-out to Barb Owen of How to Get Creative, Cat Hand and her Mixed Media Morsels, and CeeCee of Creations CeeCee.

I learned a ton, created alongside them, experimented with different materials and techniques, and eventually found my own artistic voice.

The piece you see here combines an original acrylic pour with a collage representing my inner self. It later became the background for my favorite poem I’ve written.

Now I want to share what art—and the act of “arting”—has given me: a chance to slow down, breathe, work with my hands, have some fun, and reconnect with my creative self.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create welcoming art experiences where people can relax, have fun, reconnect with the joy of creating, and experience the satisfaction of making something from almost nothing.

And while we’re sharing color, laughter, and perhaps a little paint on our aprons, we’re building a business that will always model inclusive employment by hiring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This mission is deeply personal to our family. My husband and I have seen how the transition into adulthood without meaningful employment can take away joy, social connection, purpose, and pride from people we love.

Our daughter, Morgan, is Uncommon Ground Creative’s first employee—and as our business grows, so will our inclusive workforce.

It isn’t a separate program or a side project.

It’s simply part of who we are and what we do here.

Come create with us.

No experience required. Just bring yourself and a willingness to try.

Create. Connect. Belong.