The Arc of Somerset County Host "A Life on Canvas"

Contact Lisa Marie Arieno, Director of Foundation and Communications
908-658-3805

Bridgewater, NJ: A virtual art program took off with great enthusiasm in the last year with a few attendees from The Arc of Somerset County which led to an evening of outstanding creative artwork that was shared within the Bridgewater Union Avenue apartment community Tuesday August 4th and Wednesday evening, August 5th.

A collaboration through a mutual leisure time passion which developed between room-mates and friends, Marcia and Kathy led to the collection of art that was showcased to a few family and friends. According to Marcia, she observed that Kathy was watching a lot of television; however, Kathy would sometimes watch her as she did her paintings. Marcia recalls one day Kathy asked if she could to learn how to paint and Marcia of course obliged. Since that time, the two friends have engaged in this activity together.

Alexis- also known as "Cookie"- also a resident of The Arc of Somerset County group home was interested in art so much that she looked forward to the virtual classes led by Alexander Lazeration and Tonya Wojciechowski as was Damandeep- a day program attendee who found his love of art through the access of these virtual programs.

Karen Kowalski, MPHJ, OTR , Director of Adult Services for The Arc of Somerset County states: “The virtual art program, under the mentorship of Tonya and Alexander, has fulfilled the need for individuals passionate in the creation of art within the context of social participation with friends to include community partners, a much needed outlet during these more isolated times”. “The program has forged a sense of artistic community and outlet which is so important for not only physical skill development of artistic skills, but more importantly as a method to spend time with others who have mutual interests, therefore assisting with the provision of stability for mental health”.

For more information about The Arc of Somerset County adult service programs, please contact Karen Kowalski, MPH, OTR Director of Adult Services at 908-725-8544 ext 612 or email karenk@thearcofsomerset.org or visit www.thearcofsomerset.org for more information about our programs and services.