In the heart of downtown Mansfield, nestled between a local diner and a local bakery and facing an always-musical carousel, sits a charming little art gallery called Element of Art.

This gallery loves to boast on its artist’s creative capabilities and showcase their imaginative creations. However, what makes this gallery unique isn’t simply that the art is awe-inspiring; it’s where the art comes from.

The Element of Art is a non-profit studio and gallery that showcases the artistic skills of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Kathy Goodwin, the gallery’s Art Coordinator, has been working with the gallery, which is owned by Richland Newhope Industries, Inc., for four and a half years. She fell in love with the idea behind the gallery when she was presented with the opportunity to contribute her professional experience.

She says she is honored to be able to provide a relaxed and efficient workspace and studio for the artists to create as well as a gallery space to function as a fitting showcase for the art itself.

“Watching the artists grow and not just in their creative abilities but also in their confidence in working with community artists has been just phenomenal to be able to be behind that and watch all of that unfold,” Goodwin said.

Although there are many galleries that showcase the art of adults with developmental disabilities across the country, Element of Art is the only of it’s kind in the area. The adult services director, as well as the county board director of Richland Newhope Industries, Inc., made the decision to fund a new gallery for their clients.

“They had seen these popping up throughout the state, and really throughout the country and they decided that’s exactly what would benefit the clients of Richland Newhope Industries,” Goodwin said.

There are over 70 contracted artists that partake in the programs and services offered by the gallery. The ways that artists can benefit from the gallery are abundant.

“We are advocates of encouraging self-expression, helping the artists to develop artistic skills, and generating opportunities for them throughout the local and global community, all while offering an alternate income, enriching quality of life, and having fun!” Goodwin said.

Element of Art is not only a place where artists achieve and belong, but they also receive a percentage of the sale price of every item they create after it has sold.

“The remaining money generated after a sale is used to help cover materials cost, programming, and services for the artists,” Goodwin said.

The gallery benefits more than just clients of Richland Newhope Inc., the public also has a unique opportunity to interact with the artists as they create beautiful paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more.

Events are held regularly at Element of Art to promote the artists and the cause. One of the events is called “First Friday,” which is held on the first Friday of every month and it brings in about 100 to 150 people each time.

“Our events have live entertainment involved so we have community members standing in line to play at the gallery because it’s a great place to perform,” Goodwin said. “And the City Garden Café, which is also owned by Richland Newhope Industries, caters the events.”

The gallery is constantly evolving to accommodate its artists and the community. New classes are formed based on the artists needs so they can continue to create masterpieces that are displayed in venues all over the city, including the Mansfield Renaissance, various churches, bookstores and restaurants.

Goodwin’s favorite aspect of her job is watching the artist’s imagination and personalities come through in each piece that is produced within the gallery, an experience that can be shared by anyone who decides to attend an event or take home one of the many works of art being displayed in the enchanting gallery.

“It really lets people see who is behind the faces of adults with developmental disabilities. They are beautifully creative and intelligent people,” Goodwin said.