This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Morris Plains Artist is Part of Matheny Show

Annual stage show presents students' talents

 

Artists of many genres participated in the annual Full Circle 2011, called Dimentions, a celebration of the Arts Access Program Matheny Medical and Educational Center’s Arts Access Program.

 “They may be painters.” explained Eileen Murray, Arts Access director. “They may be playwrights; they may be dancers or choreographers.  Arts Access gives them the opportunity to sample all that and to find their one passion or several different passions.”

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Matheny is a special hospital and educational facility in Peapack for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities.  Arts Access enables people with disabilities to create fine art, assisted by professional artist-facilitators. 

At the Nov. 5, in the Robert Schonhorn Arts Center on the Matheny campus, 42 pieces of visual art were exhibited during a reception in the gallery.  The exhibit was curated by Madison-based artist, Dan Fenelon. 

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A stage presentation showcased dance, drama and poetry created by the artists.  Professional dancers and actors, some of whom are Arts Access staff members, performed with the Arts Access artists.  During the gallery reception, food tasting stations were donated by Ciao in Basking Ridge; cocoLuxe Fine Pastries in Peapack; Due Terre Enoteca in Bernardsville; Gladstone Tavern of Gladstone; 3 West Restaurant of Basking Ridge, and Village Office Supply of Somerset.

Speaking to a packed theater prior to the stage presentation, Steve Proctor, Matheny president, pointed out that Matheny patients often have great difficulty communicating, but, “Arts Access provides them with an opportunity for creative expression.”  It reflects, he added, Matheny’s efforts, “to enrich their entire lives, to provide them with a full spectrum of life experiences.”  Pamela Cembrook, a resident of Bernardsville and Matheny trustee, was honorary chair of the event.

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?