Nanci Iovino

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Nanci Iovino, and I’m the founder and Executive Director of Keep Creating Art Wellness Center, a nonprofit in Montclair, NJ. I’m originally from Rockland County, NY, and have lived in Glen Ridge, NJ, for 30 years. I’m an artist and educator with a long history of working in the arts. Today, I bring my love of art and community together through Keep Creating, where people of all ages and abilities can come together to create.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

I love how centrally located we are. You can get to the city, the mountains, or the beach without too much trouble. It’s nice to have so many different places within reach.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Keep Creating Art Wellness Center is a nonprofit arts organization in Montclair built around a simple belief: all people, of all ages and abilities, should have the opportunity to come together to create. We offer art classes, workshops, and creative experiences in an inclusive, welcoming environment, with a strong focus on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The idea grew out of my experience working with adults with disabilities and wanting to continue those relationships through art. I wanted to create a place where everyone could participate, learn from one another, and feel that they belong. For us, it’s about more than making art. It’s about intimidation-free self-expression.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

Believe in what you’re doing and don’t wait until everything is perfect to get started. Be willing to learn as you go, ask for help, and build relationships with people in your community. There will be challenges, but if you stay true to your purpose and keep showing up, you’ll find your way. And remember, you don’t have to do everything alone.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

There are a few that have stayed with me, but one I heard many times was, “You got me through COVID.” It means so much to be a light in a dark time.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I’d love to see Keep Creating continue to grow and reach more people while staying true to what we started: all people coming together to create. I hope to expand programs, build more community partnerships, and make inclusive art experiences available to even more people.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to be an artist or have talent to enjoy making art. You don’t! Art is for everyone, and it’s not about creating a perfect finished product. It’s about the experience, trying something new, expressing yourself, and enjoying the process.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest struggles has been getting people to understand the importance of what we do and building a sustainable nonprofit. There’s a lot that goes into running a business, especially when you’re trying to keep programs accessible and inclusive. I’ve learned to try to be resourceful, take deep breaths, build relationships, and keep going even when things don’t happen as quickly as I’d like.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

I was always a classic rock girl! The Beatles, Elton John, and Fleetwood Mac were among my favorites. As for sports, I never really followed athletes or teams.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I’d love to give a shoutout to our director, Dr. Raul Barcelona. He’s my sounding board and someone I can count on as we continue to grow Keep Creating. Having someone who believes in what we’re doing and is there to talk through ideas and challenges makes a real difference.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about us at keepcreatingcorp.com. You can also find Keep Creating Art Wellness Center on Facebook and Instagram, where we share our classes, workshops, and events. We’d love for you to stop by and see what we’re all about!