Matheny Arts Access Program to Host All Abilities Art

The Matheny Arts Access Program is hosting its inaugural All Abilities Art Fest – a fun filled day of discounted art sales, plein air painting, a writing workshop, and literary open mic – on Sunday, October 20, from 10:30am-6:30pm on the beautiful Matheny campus in Peapack, NJ.

This multifaceted celebration of the arts welcomes artists and art enthusiasts to the gorgeous Matheny campus and its Robert Schonhorn Arts Center, home to the renowned Matheny Arts Access Program, a multidisciplinary fine arts program that has empowered artists with disabilities to create in the visual, literary, and performing arts since 1993.

The Arts Access artists have exhibited their work at prestigious venues across New Jersey and beyond including Sotheby’s in New York City, the Morris Museum, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, and many more. For the first time ever, Arts Access is opening its doors for an all-day affordable art sale with original paintings starting at $150 throughout the art center’s gallery, studio, hallways, and theater.

“Art Fest has been something we have dreamed about for so many years,” says Heather Williams, Arts Access Program Director. “We are thrilled that it is finally coming to fruition and so many wonderful organizational partners have signed on to be a part of what we hope will be the first of many.”

Joining the Arts Access artists for this exciting exhibit and sale are artists from the Jewish Services for the Developmentally Disabled’s WAE Center and the Studio Arc Program at the Arc of Essex. These two likeminded organizations are dedicated to supporting artists with disabilities in their creative endeavors.

The WAE Center at JSDD is a holistic arts learning program for adults with developmental disabilities. Dedicated to “Finding the Spark Within,” the WAE Center’s focus is on the personal growth of its members. Matheny Arts Access and the WAE Center have partnered for 14 years on an annual collaborative exhibit, and both organizations are thrilled to join forces once again this October.

"WAE Center artists are broadly varied in their approaches, media and inspirations,” says Monica Schneider-Brewer, Director of Marketing and Communications at the WAE Center.

“Where they are unified is in their passion to create as individuals and sometimes as collaborators. These artists are always learning from one another and deeply appreciative of the work being created. We, as a community, are always honored to be exhibiting alongside the artists of Matheny Arts Access."

Studio Arc opened in 2022 as a creative space for participants in The Arc of Essex County programs. Featuring art classes and projects using a variety of media, as well as lessons in fitness and movement, performing arts, communication, and STEAM, Studio Arc provides a wide range of engaging opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the greater Essex County area.

“We are thrilled to be given an opportunity to showcase some of our artists’ work at Art Fest!” says Angela Losapio, Director of Day Services, Creative Programs at Arc of Essex County. “They’ve dedicated countless hours to creating various pieces and it’s rewarding to know that the wider community will get to see their masterpieces at this wonderful and inclusive event.”

Beginning at 10:30am, artists of all experience levels can enjoy painting the scenic vistas of the Matheny campus in Peapack, including a breathtaking landscape of the Somerset Hills and exclusive views of the historic Blairsden Estate. Presented by the Center for Contemporary Art, this open plein air painting session is a unique opportunity for artists to exchange tips, techniques, and inspiration with fellow creatives. The Center for Contemporary Art, based in Bedminster, is a destination for world-class contemporary art exhibitions and community-based arts education and programming. Learn more about their work at ccabedminster.org.

If the literary arts are more of your style, join Arts by the People, a Morristown nonprofit dedicated to providing accessible educational programs, opportunities, classes, and sessions in the creative arts, in the Robert Schonhorn Arts Center at 3:00pm for an invigorating hour-long writing workshop geared towards writers of all experience levels. Whether you’re a new writer or an established author, bring your writing materials and find inspiration from the art on the walls and the breathtaking views atop the hill at Matheny. Register here for this free workshop.

Following the workshop, head into the theater and let your voice be heard in a welcoming and inclusive open mic session. From 4:30-5:30pm, engage with a supportive community and showcase your original poetry or prose. Each participant will have 3 minutes to captivate the audience with their words. No advance registration is required, and walk ins are encouraged.

“The alignment of our philosophies; to enrich communities through the arts is the reason why we are so excited,” says Paul Rabinowitz, Arts by the People Executive Director. “We love New Jersey and love to bring our popular Creative Writing Workshops to local communities. We hope you will join us for the writing workshop or the literary open mic at this year's ART Fest, or both!”

Whether you’re an artist, writer, art collector, or simply looking for a fun and inclusive way to spend a fall day, join Matheny Arts Access on Sunday, October 20, for its first All Abilities Art Fest.