What We Offer

Artists First provides a vibrant and inclusive environment for artists of all abilities to express themselves and grow through art. Our diverse range of programs are designed to empower individuals, build community, and champion the power of creativity. Through our programs and community initiatives, we strive to facilitate experiences where every participant can explore their artistic potential.

What We Believe

Accessibility & Inclusion

Artists First actively works to ensure that the access, exposure, experience and expression in the arts are freely available to all. Artists First accepts all regardless of an individual's gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, military or veteran status.

Diversity & Equity

Artists First’s mission and existence is based on the unflinching belief in the imperativeness of diversity in all forms; equity and inclusion for all. We choose to frame cultural understanding and acceptance through the lens of humility, meaning we know we do not know it all – we actively listen, honestly reflect and constantly learn. Our commitment is more than words, it is at the heart of all that we do.

Best-Practice

Through a minimal-touch approach and full access to professional art supplies and equipment, artists are empowered to plan and execute projects independently, cultivating artists’ autonomy, self-worth, and economic empowerment.

Meet the A1 Team

Sheila Suderwalla, MSW
Executive Director

Macayli Hausmann
Program Director

Macayli Hausmann is a Photographer and book maker originally from Chicago, IL. She received her Bachelors of Fine Art in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute. She spent the foundational years of her career working and living in the Bay Area before relocating to St. Louis where she began the role as the Artists First Program Director in 2022. Since a young age, Macayli has gravitated toward art and creativity as a tool for emotional and mental wellness. She is a published Photographer and Book Maker and the recipient of the 2023 Lomography Annual Photo Award.

Executive Director, Sheila Suderwalla has over 20 years’ experience working with communities in need. Some of her successes as a social worker have been featured in publications such as the New York Times, St. Louis Post Dispatch and Time Magazine. Since 2013, Sheila has built Artists First into an award-winning organization. In 2023 she was awarded the Arts Innovator Women’s Visionary Award. As a juried winning artist, she has incorporated art into her work with individuals who have experienced trauma. Sheila has a Bachelor of Arts from Principia College, Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Certificate in Expressive and Integrative Therapies from Fontbonne University.

Board of Directors

Nami Rutherford
Studio Manager

Asia Johnson - Brimmage
Art Facilitator

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Nami has been active in fine arts and performing arts since 2019. After studying Fine Arts at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, she found that exploring art with underserved populations would bring her more joy than making art alone. Nami started at Artists First in January 2022 part-time as an Art Facilitator and became full-time Studio Manager in November 2022. When she is not in the studio, Nami utilizes ideas of abstract expressionism, asian identity, and LGBTQIA+ to inspire her own work.

Born in Saint Louis Missouri, Asia earned her Bachelor's in art from Fontbonne University. She has been with Artists First as an Art Facilitator since 2023, and works directly with artists in the studio to use new art materials, learn different methods of art-making, and to foster connections both inside the studio and within the greater Saint Louis community. When she isn't in the studio, Asia spends her time creating work that explores themes of race and identity through experimental multimedia portraiture.

Leticia Brock
Operations Manager

Catie Deck
Art Facilitator

Catie Deck is a ceramic artist and painter from St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Webster University with a Bachelors in Studio Art and Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. She began at Artists First as a volunteer in 2023, and became a full time employee in May 2024 as an Art Facilitator. As an artist and facilitator, she aims to integrate art as a pathway to holistic health through process-based practices that nurture mind-body connection and intuition.

Leticia Brock, originally from Texas, has called St. Louis home for over thirty years. She holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business Administration and has over 35 years of accounting experience, including for other nonprofits. Leticia has been an integral part of the Artists First team for 3 years. Leticia dedicates much of her free time to community work with MapleGood as well as spending time with her daughters and grandchildren.