We provide a welcoming space where students of all abilities can explore their creative voice through painting.

How we treat vulnerable groups and individuals is an indicator of how advanced our society is, in a spiritual sense. In 2013, artist Matthew Palmo merged his passion for art and concern for individuals with developmental disabilities when he founded IndicatorArt®, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

Our Mission

IndicatorArt®’s mission is to enhance the lives of those most vulnerable. Our programs help every participant explore creative expression in an inclusive, fun, and respectful environment.

What We Do

Since its founding, IndicatorArt® has worked with hundreds of people with developmental disabilities. The paintings our students create are sometimes surprising, often astounding, and always a reminder of what each of us is capable of doing.

We currently offer on-line painting workshops and in person workshops in Buffalo, NY. See Classes/Programs for more details.

Our Philosophy

We founded IndicatorArt® with a single painting class and a philosophy that places people first. That philosophy has evolved as we’ve grown, and it still applies today.

People are more important than art

Our belief is that people are more important than art. We create real and long-lasting relationships with our students and the people who support each of them. We continue to form a community that is alive with not only creativity, but also empathy.

Our belief is that everyone’s point of view is valuable. We guide, influence, and collaborate with our students during the creative process without taking over and doing it for them.

Our belief is that everyone is an artist. We simply give our students the opportunity to begin the process of cultivating their craft and saying something meaningful.

Our belief is that there are no mistakes. Each brush stroke, even if it is uneven or seems random, simply helps to form the artist’s distinctive style.

Our belief is that an artistic space should be a safe place for all students to express themselves. We strive to create an environment where people support and encourage one another, allowing all kinds of ideas to thrive.

Our Team

Matthew Palmo
Matthew PalmoFounder and President
Jenni Spear
Jenni SpearVolunteer Art Panelist
Amy Palmo
Amy PalmoMovement Instructor

Board Members

Katie Buvoltz has 20 years of adult higher education experience, currently serving as Associate Director, Faculty Support and Development and Assistant Professor, School of Education for Northcentral University. She also serves as an adult higher education consultant. Prior she worked at Houghton College as the Associate Dean for Adult and Distance Education. Earlier employment also included human resources roles at Bush Industries, Inc., in Jamestown, NY and a communication specialist for Covenant Players, an international repertoire theater company based out of Los Angeles, CA. Katie holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership and Human Resources Development from Regent University, an MBA from Regis University, and a BS in Organizational Management from Houghton College. Katie joined the IndicatorArt Board in 2017 and currently serves as treasurer.

Mike has nearly 20 years experience in the financial industry. He is Managing Principal of Legacy Financial which he helped found in 2005. Legacy Financial is a comprehensive financial company focused on Planning, Investments, and Insurance. Mike graduated from Miami University with a B.A. in business marketing where he was awarded the Business School’s “Student of the Year” as well as the “President’s Distinguished Student” award while he also played Varsity Basketball. He also has a Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mike also serves on the board of directors for the “Anthony Munoz Foundation”. IndicatorArt has benefited greatly from Mike’s extensive business and board member experience. Mike, his wife Lisa and four children, reside in Wyoming, Ohio.

Dom has nearly 40 years of business experience primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. During this time, he held a variety of sales, marketing and management positions. His final position was VP/General Manager of ParMed Pharmaceuticals which, at his retirement, had sales of nearly $200 million and 175 employees. ParMed is a leading distributor of generic pharmaceuticals and a division of Cardinal Health which is a Fortune 20 company. Dom has used his considerable business skills and experience to help guide IndicatorArt to its current level of success. Dom and his wife Sue reside in Orchard Park, New York.

Coming Soon.