The Creative Cohort
Over the past six months, I’ve been engaged in meaningful work that could not be publicly documented through photos or video, in order to protect the privacy and dignity of my clients. This reality often invites a larger question: how do you share your vocation when those you work alongside must remain anonymous?
The answer lies in care and discernment. It requires balancing transparency with responsibility, and storytelling with restraint. This ongoing navigation has become an integral part of my practice - one that values process, impact, and respect above visibility. It’s a careful dance, and one I’m committed to continuing with intention.
My name is Madison Cowan, I LOVE doing art with the exceptionalities communities and over the past six months it has been a true privilege to work alongside this remarkable group of people. This project was long in the making and came to life through the generous support of Independence Through Grace and a community arts grant facilitated by the Arts Council of Kern.
Since May, the Creative Cohort has gathered regularly to create, explore ideas, and share fellowship as artists and entrepreneurs in their own right. The cohort is composed of individuals who experience life with a range of exceptionalities, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and other cognitive and physical disabilities. These gatherings quickly became highlights - spaces rooted in encouragement, curiosity, and meaningful collaboration.
The project began with brainstorming, planning, and designing a large-scale wall installation, developed through a creative partnership between the Creative Cohort and Independence Through Grace. Together, the group explored themes of identity, growth, and purpose through a shared artistic process. This installation ultimately became the centerpiece for Independence Through Grace’s annual open house, welcoming donors and community members into the story of the program.
Each artist contributed a single word, chosen as a personal reflection of how they see themselves within the program. These words became the foundation of the piece, offering insight into individual journeys shaped by creativity, perseverance, and hope.
Using simple, foundational materials such as paper and paint, the Creative Cohort explored layered imagery and mixed media. Hearts symbolize love and self-worth, picture frames hold space for personal stories, and the sun represents light, guidance, and clarity. The layering process mirrors the richness of human experience—how diverse elements come together to form something unified and meaningful, reflecting our shared humanity.
For many participants, the experience extended beyond art-making. The steady rhythm of creating, layering, and collaborating fostered confidence, connection, and self-expression. The completed wall now stands as a testament to collective effort, creative growth, and the strength found in the community.
2025, working on the wall installation. Be Diversely You
Following the collaborative installation, the artists moved into a more individualized phase of work. Each participant painted, wrote, and designed a personal piece that took the form of an abstract self-portrait, reflecting their own experiences, perspectives, and life paths.
Through guided exploration and critical thinking, the cohort examined the emotional and visual power of color—learning how hue, contrast, and composition influence mood and meaning, and how the human eye interprets visual information. This understanding informed each artist’s creative choices, allowing personal expression to emerge through intentional abstraction.
The creative process was further enriched through engagement with the broader arts community. The cohort connected with local artists and explored current exhibitions during a private tour at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. These experiences expanded artistic vocabulary, encouraged dialogue, and offered valuable context for contemporary art practices.
The Bakersfield Museum of Art
Together, these individual works stand as expressions of growth, curiosity, and creative confidence—each distinct, yet connected through a shared commitment to exploration, learning, and self-discovery.
One cohort member shared, “When I started, I didn’t think I could do this—but now I know I can. Art helps calm my mind.” Another reflected, “Making art makes me feel grateful to share creativity with others. I love seeing my friends’ work and creating together.” A third added, “It makes me happy to work on art with friends, especially when we all bring something unique.”
The Creative Cohort Gala and Social showcased work that was immersive, thoughtful, and deeply personal. The collection included contributions from a published author and engaging speaker whose work brought storytelling and joy into each session; a songwriter and visual artist who inspired expressive dialogue and emotionally rich pieces; a natural leader and steady encourager whose creativity and presence uplifted the group; and a kind-hearted artist whose humor and openness reminded us that art is meant to be playful, connective, and shared.
Each artist holds an essential place in this community. At Madison Cowan Studio and Independence Through Grace, we believe creativity is a gift meant for everyone, and empowerment belongs to individuals of all abilities. This cohort has embodied those values, strengthening not only one another, but the community around them. This work, these artists, and this collective experience stand as keystones of what creative collaboration can achieve.
