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| VSA of New Jersey and ThisAbled Debut “Connect” Exhibition at Artworks in Trenton |
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VSA of New Jersey and ThisAbled will present the art exhibition “Connect” at Artworks, Trenton’s downtown visual arts center, located at 19 Everett Alley in Trenton from March 20 to May 1, 2010. Featuring ten artists with disabilities, “Connect” showcases the diverse two-dimensional work being produced by emerging and established artists and invites visitors to explore the relationship between arts and disability. The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Saturday, March 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“Artworks is terribly excited to have the Connect show in our brand-spanking-new Community Gallery! The talent level of the VSA of New Jersey artists is remarkable. We know the Opening Reception is going to be a great community-building event, and we hope this show inspires people from all walks of life to express themselves through art,” said Michael Gumpert, Artworks Executive Director. The exhibiting artists are Leigha Cohen, Jon Gabry, Vimala Gade, Rafael Garcia, Jean Malafront, Thomas Miller, Lois Monaghan, Kasey Tararuj, Michael Turner, and Isabell Villacis. Highlights from artist’s biographical sketches include the following: Jon Gabry Jon Gabry is a 2008 graduate of Mountain Lakes High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. In 2007 he received a VSA of New Jersey Student Arts Excellence Award in Fine Art and a New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education. He currently attends Helen Keller National Center, a vocational training center for people who are deaf-blind. “I make art because I enjoy seeing colors come together on paper, and I feel calm and relaxed when I create pictures. I have always liked creating colorful things with my hands. It doesn’t matter that I am deaf-blind, because I enjoy the process of making art, feeling how my body moves, and seeing the colors and shapes come together. I hope people will find a lot of details to look at in my work, and that they will appreciate the feelings and emotions in all my art.”
“I was born in India and came to the United States in 1988. As a child I was always drawn to the fine arts. I taught myself how to paint and developed my own technique in many media – watercolor, acrylic, oil, pencil, and paint on silk fabric. I enjoy doing landscapes, still life, and portraits. Eventually I earned an M.A. in Fine Arts in 1994. I have exhibited my work locally in New Jersey. With my limited mobility, painting is the best therapy for me. It keeps my mind alive and active.” - more - Kasey Tararuj “For eight years I have been paralyzed, and living with a disability is easily the most difficult and frustrating thing I could ever hope to put into words. All of my art is based on a very personal level. I use drawing, painting, sculpture, and other types of media to express these otherwise unexplainable feelings. I don't see a purpose in producing art if there is no private and intimate connection to it other than, of course, the actual process of creating it. I make my art for myself, each with its own specific and special meaning. Art is my therapy; it is my passion.”
Founded in 1978, VSA of New Jersey is a part of the international VSA network, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. VSA of New Jersey is dedicated to promoting the creative power of people with disabilities. Statewide programming and services include arts education, professional development, award competitions, exhibits, festivals and performances. Major funding for VSA of New Jersey is provided in part by the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission; New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts; and the central office of VSA, under an award from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the content does not necessarily reflect the policy of the U.S. Department of Education and endorsement should not be assumed. For more information please contact VSA of New Jersey at (732) 745-3885, (732) 745-3913 (TTY for people with hearing impairments) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the organization online at www.vsanj.org. About ThisAbled ThisAbled is a news magazine dedicated to disability issues on a national level. Its standard is one of excellence – in the results produce by its staff, professionals, freelancers and interns. ThisAbled specializes in cutting edge articles, blogs, and other media. It is built on the concept that in order for people with disabilities to be free they have to be politically and economically empowered.
Artworks, Trenton's downtown visual arts center, promotes artistic diversity by fostering creativity, learning and appreciation of the arts. Its classes, exhibitions and events make art an accessible experience for all. Exhibition and gallery events are free and open to the public.
Artworks is located at 19 Everett Alley at Stockton Street in Trenton, New Jersey. Gallery hours are Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Contact: Vanessa Young |
