Dave works with Avivo to find employment and path to live his childhood dreams

Dave is achieving his childhood dreams of becoming a visual artist and working at an art museum, while also emerging from a difficult period of his life. He’s completely changed his life since he recently experienced homelessness and endured a mental health crisis.

“Three years ago, I was on the street and couldn’t figure out up from down,” shares Dave. “If I hadn’t had the support of other people, of case workers along the way, I wouldn’t be sitting where I am today.”

“Three years ago, I was on the street and couldn’t figure out up from down,” shares Dave. “If I hadn’t had the support of other people, of case workers along the way, I wouldn’t be sitting where I am today.”

Dave had spent a decade working in graphic design and marketing but was looking for a path that better matched his life goals. That’s when he found Avivo’s employment programs.

“I got in touch with Avivo shortly after I moved into housing on my own,” shares Dave. “I have a degree in studio arts, but for a decade of my life, I’d forgotten I was a visual artist.”

He shares that he’s thankful for the support he received from Avivo case managers, who helped him create a resume and find employment.

“A lot of the folks on Avivo’s team are really good people. I didn’t even realize those sorts of employment services they offer were available, so that was great,” shares Dave. “I love working at [an art museum]. I love being able to make art.”

“A lot of the folks on Avivo’s team are really good people. I didn’t even realize those sorts of employment services they offer were available, so that was great,” shares Dave. “I love working at [an art museum]. I love being able to make art.”

Dave lives with epilepsy, which has led him to advocate personally, as well as through his art, for people living with disabilities. He also lives with synesthesia, which he describes as “hearing in color.”

“I’ve had epilepsy my whole life and I know how much unnecessary shame can be associated with having a disability,” Dave shares. “I felt the need to start advocating for people with disabilities,” shares Dave. “I’ve had epilepsy my whole life and know how difficult that can be.”

Dave describes the colors he experiences as “like when you hit your head and see stars” but for him the colors are clear and don’t fade away. His art reflects that experience.

“When you look at my art and wonder ‘What are these colors from?’ That’s where they’re from. Those colors I experience are how I determine my color palette,” shares Dave.

Now, he’s starting to work on a yearlong study of neurological activity and color and music, and the final result will be two, public-facing exhibits.

As he looks ahead, Dave’s excited to create thought-provoking art, but he’s also looking to continue his journey toward bettering his own life.