34 | Spring 2022
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
JUMP THE MOON:
Making Art More Accessible to Those with Diverse Abilities CLAIRE ANDERSON
contributing writer
Michael Bingham has a gift for identifying and utilizing an individual’s strengths to help them express themselves through art, no matter what limitations or challenges they may have in their life. That is why he established Jump the Moon Foundation in 2017. Jump the Moon is a nonprofit organization with a beautiful mission: “Motivated by love and belief in the unlimited potential of every person, we utilize the arts and creativity to bring hope, expression, imagination,
empowerment, and freedom to all, especially those that were thought to be limited.” Art has been Michael’s profession for 40 years. As a high school art teacher, he witnessed the profound impact that art had on the lives of his students, especially those with disabilities. This inspired him to create an organization that could allow him to further share his passion with everyone, even those with severe challenges. “Art will continue bringing joy to my life until I take my last breath,” Michael
said. “That joy was greatly magnified when I started teaching and sharing my knowledge and experience with others. It was amplified even more when I turned my focus to those who face life with physical and cognitive challenges.” Jump the Moon offers a variety of classes and community events, put together by Michael and many incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to helping people discover their own personal strengths when it comes to creating art. “Often, those strengths have been
