About Brush With the Law
Brush With the Law is a community arts nonprofit that uses public art as a tool for connection, expression, and change.
Through murals, workshops, and collaborative projects, the organization brings people together across communities—creating space for voices that are often overlooked and building a sense of dignity, visibility, and belonging.
Mission
Brush With the Law is committed to creating meaningful art experiences that engage individuals affected by incarceration, addiction, mental and behavioral health challenges, and social marginalization.
Through creative collaboration, the organization fosters personal expression, strengthens community ties, and transforms public spaces.
What We Do
Brush With the Law develops and leads:
- Community mural projects
- Art workshops in recovery and behavioral health settings
- Programs with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals
- Public art installations that raise awareness around social issues
Each project is rooted in collaboration, allowing participants to contribute their voice, story, and creativity to a shared outcome.
Who We Work With
Brush With the Law works with:
- Individuals in recovery
- People navigating mental and behavioral health challenges
- Justice-impacted individuals
- Community organizations and local municipalities
The work is grounded in meeting people where they are, creating inclusive environments where participation is valued over perfection.
Why It Matters
Art has the ability to create connection where there is isolation, and visibility where there is invisibility.
Brush With the Law exists to:
- provide a platform for expression
- create moments of reflection and dialogue
- build community through shared creative experience
The work is not just about making art—it is about making space.
Leadership
Maria Maneos
Founder & Director
Maria Maneos is a visual artist and community arts leader whose work explores the intersection of art, psychology, and lived experience. She founded Brush With the Law in 2013 after witnessing firsthand how individuals can fall through the gaps of systems meant to support them.
Her work continues to focus on using art as a way to process, communicate, and connect across complex human experiences.
Board of Directors
Maggie Mills – Board Member
Ryan Schweiger – Board Member
Ameika Malcolm – Board Member
Cody Stuhltrager – Board Member
Hallie Fischer – Board Member
Call to Action
Call to Action (important)
Interested in collaborating, supporting, or learning more?