NH’s only fully integrated residency program celebrated its second annual exhibition reception on June 12th, 2025.

Reception held at Positive Street Art home site in Nashua. Available for private tours until October 23rd.

NASHUA, NH – June 12th, 2025 marked the second annual reception of the United Through Color Residency Exhibition Reception. The reception celebrates a cumulative ending to an 11-week program which integrates artists from Opportunity Networks, PLUS Company and Positive Street Art.

This program outlines the successful collaboration between Opportunity Networks and Positive Street Art (PSA) to empower adults with developmental and physical disabilities through creative workforce development. Building on goals set in prior grant applications, the program integrates participants into mixed-ability workshops, where four of twelve adults transitioned from learners to leaders. The public exhibition generated $4,000 in revenue for participating artists—a first-time income for many. PSA hired these individuals for paid roles at major events like Manchester Pride and Nashua’s Multicultural Festival, thanks to support from the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities. Employees, trained in social-emotional and technical skills over two years, earn 36% above New Hampshire’s minimum wage. Revenue from the 2024 United Through Color event also helped fund PSA’s Summer Mural Internship. Future efforts will expand partnerships with nonprofits and city agencies, modeling inclusive employment and positioning participants as community leaders and facilitators.

A Note from PSA Lead Outreach Facilitator, Yasamin Safarzadeh:
The United Through Color show is a yearly favorite of mine. It stands a testament to the true power of what is possible not only through art and creativity as a vessel, tool, and medium; but also what is possible within our programming. It is equitable, dynamic and meaningful communication, skill sharing and collaboration amongst people of all ages, from people of any number of infinite backgrounds and perspectives, abilities, socioeconomic class and walks of life. Art and creativity is a language of its own, and to see the way the artists on the team learn to wield, sculpt, and shape it into their own creation is such a delight. Their pieces then enter a conversation of shared perception with the public who come to the exhibition to bear witness as the audience of their work – it’s like lightning in a bottle!

United Through Color is a wonderful exhibition as it not only empowers and encourages artists to create, share and promote their work and ideas, but also inspires a lot of people to begin (or expand) their own personal collections of art! Each year it is one of our most attended and most sold shows; which not only is super fun for the artists, but stimulates NH’s creative sector which is currently suffering huge losses and financial pressures from the loss of our state Arts Council. United Through Color has become such a fixture within our community and an incredible space for artist development and connection, and I’m so proud to be apart of it!

A statement from Executive Director, Cecilia Ulibarri:
United Through Color has really become something special. It creates a space that doesn’t exist anywhere else in New Hampshire. A place where people, especially those who don’t typically have access, can show up fully as themselves and express who they are through art. That kind of freedom is powerful. It’s not just important for artists, it’s something we all need as human beings. To feel seen, heard, and connected through creativity is something that can’t be overstated. You can truly see and feel the impact this program has on those who take part in it.

We’re proud of the community this program has built and the platform it provides for growth, healing, and discovery. United Through Color is more than just a program, it’s a source of opportunity and inspiration for so many. We’re looking forward to sustaining and growing this program in the years to come, so that even more artists and community members can continue to find connection, empowerment, and belonging through creative expression.

Art Still Available for Purchasing Visit This Site to Secure Your United Through Color Relic Today