About The Papillon Place

Papillon Place was inspired by young artist Keenan Sullivan, the youngest son of longtime Roswell, Georgia residents, Donna and Jerry Sullivan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Keenan had the opportunity to participate in both an on-line general education art class and one led by an adapted art teacher. Donna began collaborating with Keenan on daily art projects, and together they discovered a shared joy in creating. It was during this time that Donna recognized Keenan’s creativity and love for art.

Their journey took a meaningful turn when they watched a video about Passion Works Studio in Athens, Ohio—an art studio that employs individuals with disabilities. For Donna, the concept was deeply moving. Keenan lives with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and cystic fibrosis, and while he may need assistance in creating art, he is bright, funny, and passionately engaged in the artistic process. The idea that Keenan could meaningfully participate in and contribute to an art studio environment sparked Donna’s vision to create something similar in their own community.

Donna began researching and sharing her vision with friends, family, neighbors, and members of the disability community. She quickly discovered a genuine need for opportunities that empower young adults with developmental differences, along with an eagerness from the community to support such an initiative. Too often, individuals with disabilities face isolation and limited employment opportunities, and although society has made progress in many areas over the past 15 years, bias surrounding disability remains stubbornly present. Donna believes it’s time to shift the narrative—to recognize the value, potential, and humanity of people with developmental differences.

As Papillon Place has taken shape, a three-part mission has emerged: to create, to connect, and to inspire.


To Create: The future vision includes a studio/gallery space where artists and staff collaborate to produce and sell original artwork.

To Connect: Community engagement will be at the heart of the project.

“We want to eventually have a space that has a vibe—a place where people want to be,” Donna says. “We hope to collaborate with local businesses that employ people with disabilities, and host community art nights and painting parties. The opportunities to connect are endless!”

To Inspire: Donna and the Papillon Place team aim to inspire the broader community—to foster understanding, inclusion, and the belief that individuals with developmental differences have purpose and belong.

The name Papillon Place was inspired by Keenan’s sister, Erin, who passed away from cystic fibrosis at the age of 17. Keenan and Erin shared a deep bond. “Papillon,” the French word for butterfly, honors Erin’s memory—she was an artist herself. The butterfly symbolizes hope and transformation—an apt metaphor for the mission ahead. Through Papillon Place, Donna and her team seek to bring about meaningful change and create a place where art, community, and inclusivity thrive

Our Progress

  • The Papillon Place was established as a nonprofit organization in 2024.

  • The Papillon Place established a Board of Directors in 2024.

  • The Papillon Place was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit exemption status by the IRS in 2025.

  • The Papillon Place Board is currently focused on fundraising efforts and crafting a strategic plan to strengthen governance, branding, operations, development, and programming initiatives.