©Yoshimi Masuo

Born in 1971 to Carl and Barbara Paul and one of three siblings, Marnie is the inspiration for Barbara Paul’s founding of the center that bears her name. Marnie’s delight in the expressive forms was the catalyst for Barbara to found an organization so that other individuals with disabilities could also access the life enriching opportunity.

Marnie is a person with cerebral palsy; a person who lives an active life within the confines of a wheelchair. An attractive young woman, she enjoys friends and being part of everything going on around her. Although Marnie is non-verbal, the expressive arts allow Marnie to have a creative outlet through the facilitation of a qualified instructor/therapist.

Where is the Marnie Paul Arts Center?

To: Friends of Marnie Paul Arts Center

Our thanks and recognition to the many generous donors, in-kind resources, partnerships and volunteer service hours given to support our vision and mission and for the last 7 years of servicing a community of challenged individuals.

Due to legislative mandates to cut agency budgets in 2004, the Austin Travis County MH-MR, which provided many of the clients we served, was forced to terminate their contract with the Marnie Paul Arts Center. This, combined with a failing economy and other unforeseen events, led the Marnie Paul Arts Center Board of Directors to make the decision to discontinue programs and services for an undetermined time.

At this time, we have maintained our 501(c)(3) status and we have moved to an office on Jollyville Road. We will also maintain the website as a resource to the community.

We welcome your communication by email or phone, and please return to the website often for updated information and resources.

Thank you,
Barbara Paul, Kelly Redding, Sharon Oliver, Estrellita Doolin