We were lucky to catch up with Jill Wells recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jill, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In my over three decades of experience in the arts, one of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege to work on is the Freedom of Expression (FOE) Project, which I launched in 2022 alongside my colleague Katie Flippen, a leader in the Midwest arts, culture, and disability spaces. This initiative has truly transformed the arts scene and raised community awareness on accessibility and inclusion. In our first year, we worked together with 12 artists, working in multiple disciplines and living with disabilities, to create a collaborative space where their voices could be amplified.

FOE’s core mission is simple but profound: it champions the full participation of individuals living with disabilities in all aspects of life through the arts. The public exhibition underscores the essential connection between human experiences and the right to freedom of expression, emphasizing how important it is for everyone, regardless of ability, to develop and participate equally in society.

The Freedom of Expression Project is deeply personal to me. As the sibling of a brain trauma survivor, I’ve journeyed alongside my brother through his disability experience. I, too, am a trauma survivor, and I employ art both as a form of therapy and as my vocation. As a socially engaged artist, I work in a diverse community where the idea of all abilities being represented and celebrated is vital. This project is my way of honoring those journeys, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering a deeper understanding of the power of art to heal and unite us all.

Artists with disabilities earn 42% less than their non-disabled peers, with fewer opportunities and systemic barriers limiting their exposure. The FOE project addresses this by partnering with arts organizations, galleries, and local institutions, connecting artists with professionals, community members, and fellow artists. This collaborative approach showcases their work and fosters community and connection, challenging perceptions of accessibility and inclusion.

We are excited to present the FOE Project Exhibition as a traveling public art showcase this year, featuring the work of 13 Iowa-based artists exploring themes of free thought and creative expression. The exhibition will tour various venues, providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors. In 2024-25, the project will expand with an adaptive fashion runway show inspired by the empowering benefits of adaptive fashion and the creation of functional wear for individuals with disabilities. The Freedom of Expression Project challenges societal norms, highlighting the importance of visibility, celebration, and the power of art to unite people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an Iowa-based interdisciplinary artist, advocate, and mentor whose journey into the world of creativity began long before I knew art would become my voice. From a young age, I was nurtured by the steady hand of my grandmother, an artist whose work was a quiet but powerful influence on my own. Her guidance and deep and unwavering curiosity about the world around me sparked a fire in me to explore, question, and create. Growing up as a biracial person in the Midwest, I was shaped by the complexities of identity, race, and belonging, which continue to inform my work today.

In my practice, I blend the tactile with the visual, making multisensory works that challenge how we engage with art. Through painting, performance, collaboration, sound, light, or large-scale murals, I aim to break down barriers—bringing art to life in ways that invite participation and inclusivity. Accessibility isn’t just an element of my work; it’s its heartbeat, a way to reach beyond myself and connect with a broader audience, regardless of ability.

In 2020, I founded the ARTIST X ADVOCACY (AXA) Mentorship Program to support emerging Iowa artists of all abilities, creating a community centered on inclusivity and boundless creativity. In response to conversations within the FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Project, I created Iowa’s first multisensory tactile mural at Martin Luther King Elementary School in 2023. Additionally, I initiated the state’s first 3D Mural Model Project to transform the mural landscape and spark meaningful conversations about the intersection of art and accessibility. My work reflects our world and my dedication to using art as a tool for social change, engaging communities, and advocating for inclusivity and equity.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Throughout history, communities and cultures thrived when artists, educational programming, and creative ecosystems were supported and prioritized. We must address systemic gaps in collaboration, funding, and policy to support artists and build a thriving creative ecosystem today. Society must prioritize collaborative partnerships, educational programming, and grassroots funding initiatives. A shared funding model involving government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations ensures equitable resource distribution, especially for underrepresented communities and artists with disabilities. Programs like the Freedom of Expression (FOE) Project demonstrate how such partnerships provide accessible spaces for marginalized voices and foster creativity.

Educational programming is essential for helping artists gain the skills and support needed to thrive at all stages of their careers. A thriving arts ecosystem goes beyond funding—it fosters a space for artists to express themselves, collaborate across disciplines, and inspire social change. The arts help combat mental health inequities by providing a sense of belonging and a platform for self-expression, positively impacting community connectedness and emotional well-being.

The inaugural opening of the Freedom of Expression Project in May 2023 demonstrated this impact. With almost 70 works of art created by 12 diverse artists, nearly 200 people gathered at the Polk County Heritage Gallery to celebrate art, freedom, and inclusion. “That was a record attendance for PCHG!” a longtime gallery worker shared, “I have been working at the gallery for years and never seen so much joy at an opening night before.” This powerful event proved that when the arts are accessible and inclusive, they create opportunities for artistic expression, community connection, and transformation. Through initiatives like FOE, we cultivate a culture of creativity that enhances collective well-being and builds sustainable, vibrant communities.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The creative process is full of moments of surprise and discovery, inviting curiosity and playfulness through collaboration. The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the opportunity to work together, transforming abstract ideas into tangible realities while solving problems and experimenting with new approaches. Whether through teamwork, refining skills, or navigating challenges, these collaborative moments bring a deep sense of accomplishment. What makes it even more fulfilling is the connection formed with others, as art creates a shared space for freedom of expression, where diverse perspectives come together and resonate.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foe_project/

Image Credits

photo by Janae Patrice (young Caucasian male holding a small pink canvas)