Outsider Art, Inside the Beltway

Art Enables presents:

...a Housewarming and Holiday party, from 2-6 p.m. at the Art Enables studio. Get more event details.

I just learned about Art Enables - here's how they describe themselves on their Web site:

Art Enables is an arts-and-enterprise program for adults with developmental and/or mental disabilities from throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area...

...Art Enables demonstrates that the visual arts are an effective training and employment tool for people who may have barriers to cognitive-based training systems but who are interested in drawing and painting. Their ability to express themselves through visual images can operate as the basis on which they build skills and capabilities, become integrated in the community and earn money. More importantly, they experience a growth in confidence and self-esteem as the natural and inevitable result of becoming achievers at something they do well

I highly encourage you to browse (and possibly buy) the art on the Art Enables Web site...some of it is really great. If you're interested in outsider, or visionary, art, also check out the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

Let me know about any other local galleries or resources you'd recommend!