Disabled Artists Come Full Circle

As a recent resident of Millburn, I’m taken with the artistic community that revolves around the Papermill Playhouse. As many of you who are theatre-goers know, there is an important interplay of actors, directors, playwrights, production and set-design crews, and patrons that is necessary to produce a successful show. Millburn’s close-knit arts community, which I’ve noticed also includes a wide variety of art and music, is reminiscent of the atmosphere that surrounds my work at the Arts Access Program at Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack.  

The goal of our arts program for individuals with developmental disabilities is to foster their artistic talents. We aim to create an environment that gives them the opportunity to freely and comfortably create art. The disabled clients that we work with on a daily basis participate in all disciplines, including drama, dance, painting and digital art, and creative writing. 

The creative process that enables them to complete a piece of art takes place with the assistance of professional artists. The finished product, however, is solely that of the disabled artist. To see a piece of work, from inception to completion, is amazing. Witnessing the dedication that our artists put into their projects in the icing on the cake.

My background in theatre is one of the things that have led me to this point. I’m a graduate of Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, with a BFA in acting. My initial work at Arts Access was as a drama facilitator. I used my love of the discipline to create a unique system that allows individuals in the disabled population to act, write, and direct their own dramatic works.

My current position as Performing Arts Coordinator is the culmination of my work with these artists as well as my work in feature films, television, and theater across the country.  I’ve used my interest and background in filmmaking and video to highlight the work, lives, and challenges of artists living with disabilities.

Some of our clients’ work will be highlighted through video, as well as other art forms and mediums, in our upcoming performance, Full Circle 2012: Unexpected Art. The annual fine, performing, and literary show will be presented by the Arts Access Program on November 3, 2012.

In producing the show, I aim to showcase the artists’ work in an out-of-the-box and exciting way that will make our clients proud of their accomplishments. Full Circle will certainly dispel limitations and give the public the opportunity to experience the creations of developmentally disabled individuals. These works include everything from moving dance compositions and eye-catching paintings to dramatic performances of written works.

Artist Dan Fenelon, who has curated Full Circle for the past 3 years, will curate the multi-media fine art aspect of the show. He is a graduate of Boston’s School of the Museum of Fine Arts and has created murals for the Luna Stage Theatre in West Orange, the Montclair Art Museum, and for the Newark Peace Education Summit which featured a visit by the Dalai Lama.

This year’s Full Circle is dedicated to the memory of former Matheny President Robert Schonhorn. He was a strong proponent of the arts and enabled our clients to flourish in a program and facility that is state of the art. I encourage you to come out to view and experience the works of these talented artists. They move out of the boundaries daily to create art that’s unexpected and unique. Full Circle 2012: Unexpected Art will be held at the Robert Schonhorn Arts Center from 3-6pm. The Center is located at 65 Highland Avenue in Peapack, NJ 07977.

For ticket information, call 908-234-0011 ext. 260 or email pcats@matheny.org. Visit the Arts Access Web site at www.artsaccessprogram.org.