Art Exhibition Featuring ACLD Artists' Works Opens in Smithtown

SMITHTOWN, N.Y., March 5, 2015 – Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD), a leading Long Island based not-for-profit agency devoted to supporting the pursuit of an enviable life for children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities, celebrated the opening of “Exploring Asia Part Two: Japan” with an opening night reception at Main Street Masterpieces in Smithtown on Thursday, February 26, 2015.

The exhibition, featuring the work of 61 artists from a variety of ACLD programs, is scheduled to run through Memorial Day.

“An enviable life is one in which an individual can explore his or her own interests and can do what he or she wants to do,” said Robert Ciatto, Assistant Executive Director of ACLD. “Each of the artists represented here wanted to create, and to have a chance to share his or her vision with the wider world. Clearly, they got what they wanted.”

All of the artists featured in “Exploring Asia Part Two: Japan” participate in programs run by ACLD, which serves the needs of more than 3,000 children, teens and adults with learning disabilities, autism and other developmental disabilities and provides support for their families. With a wide range of services and programs for children and adults, ACLD works tirelessly to make a difference for individuals with special needs.

Some of the artists featured in the exhibition were drawn to the clean, simple lines of the cherry tree; others were moved to replicate the serenity of the Japanese Garden. Some worked together, others on their own, but all make clear that an appreciation of art – and the chance to create it – truly is part of an enviable life.

“These artists all have a real interest in art for different reasons,” said Susan Padovano, an ACLD Program and Community Coordinator, “but in all cases it allows them to be creative, to express themselves and to feel proud of their accomplishments. It’s extremely important to provide opportunities like this for those who are interested.”

The space and opportunity for the exhibition was provided by Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) and Main Street Masterpieces. The Art League of Long Island was very instrumental in providing assistance with the program. DDI is a non-profit, multi-site agency serving over 1,500 children and adults with autism and related disorders, providing educational, residential, day habilitation and vocational services, as well as medical and dental services, to over 5,000 patients.

Main Street Masterpieces is a destination for art lovers, collectors and artists in the Long Island art community. The gallery welcomes local artists who are looking to display their art and gain exposure in the community.

“Exploring Asia Part Two: Japan” will be on display through Memorial Day. Main Street Masterpieces is open Tuesday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; Wednesday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm; Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; and Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For more information about “Exploring Asia Part Two: Japan,” contact Juliette McKenna, Director of Development and Community Relations at (516) 822-0028, ext. 206 or mckennaj@acld.org.

Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) was founded in 1957. The 501(c)(3), not-for-profit agency serves the needs of more than 3,000 children, teens and adults with learning disabilities, autism and other developmental disabilities, and provides support for their families. ACLD’s mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase their independence and improve the quality of their lives within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,100 people and operates 77 different program sites including group homes and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Service programs include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, respite, family support services, Medicaid service coordination, and medical and behavioral health services. For information about ACLD, visit www.acld.org.