Art has been an integral part of Christi’s life since childhood. She works with various mediums, including watercolor, pencil, and ink, and explores everything in between. When she discovered that Peckham created and published a calendar featuring team members’ artwork, she knew she wanted to contribute. She asked if team members in London, KY (where she works on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services contract) could participate. Management’s answer was an enthusiastic “yes,” which led to Christi’s work and others’ appearing in the following year’s calendar. The Art from the Heart calendar is part of the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation program, which offers team members free opportunities for creative expression. For many at Peckham, art plays a crucial role in supporting mental health—especially for Christi, who uses her artistic talents as a way to cope with the challenges of her call center job.
Before joining Peckham, Christi held various roles, from cashier to cake decorator. While those jobs didn’t fulfill her, they helped her realize her passion for helping people. Her position as a Customer Service Representative at Peckham allows her to do just that, all while providing a supportive environment to pursue her other interests, such as art and building friendships. Throughout her journey, Christi credits Peckham with giving her the confidence to be the best version of herself, both professionally and personally. She believes she would not have found the fulfillment and self-assurance she has today if she hadn’t joined Peckham.
Not only has Christi’s art been featured in the Art From the Heart Calendar —two of her works were showcased (and sold) at Peckham’s 30th Annual Golf Outing.
Through the Art from the Heart program, artists with disabilities explore a variety of mediums with professional, individualized instructions at a self-directed pace. Peckham advocates for integrating these artists into the greater community through exhibitions at local venues, providing an opportunity to showcase their work and using art to help eliminate barriers for people with disabilities.
Donations to the Art from the Heart program can be made through the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation:
3510 Capital City Blvd,
Lansing, MI 48906
