Toyota community grants help non-profit expand its reach

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A Northeast Mississippi non-profit that started as an outlet to teach art classes for people with disabilities is expanding its reach and mission.

The growth is fueled in large part by grants from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi and its promise to be a good corporate citizen.

Hill Heard spent part of his Thursday morning learning the art of drip painting.

“We’re making a night sky, using spoons,” said Heard.

The young painters are taking a class at “Our Artworks.”

The non-profit was formed by Hill’s uncle, who developed an interest in art after a car wreck left him a quadriplegic. Two years ago, a community grant from Toyota allowed “Our Artworks” to take its classes to schools and organizations.

“This is for the community, it’s not just for Our Artworks students, it’s for everyone to enjoy,” said William Heard.

Bradley Gillespie teaches woodworking, but his classes could only be taught at the studio.

“When I do a class in here on Tuesdays and Fridays, they’re inside, me and William wanted something to be outside,” said Gillespie.

But a second grant from Toyota will help transform a two acre plot of land at the corner of Chestnut and Green Streets into the Mill Village Outpost.

The land was donated to “Our Artworks” and plans call for outdoor classrooms, for art, woodworking, a stage for music, outdoor games, a garden and other activities.

“Toyota is helping with all the paint supplies, canvas materials, wood materials, our students will be able to roam the land, and it’s a safe environment, enclosed area, we can have a good time, picnic tables throughout the area,” said William Heard.

Once the weather clears up, volunteers will be back at work on the project.

Mill Village Outpost should be ready by April.

For information on classes or to help at Mill Village Outpost, visit facebook.com/our.artworks  or facebook.com/Mill-Village-Outpost-265680464268829/