National Endowment for the Arts Chair Visits Matheny’s Arts Access Program

From Matheny School:

“I love what you are doing. You have leveled the playing field in creativity by the processes you use.” That was the reaction of Jane Chu, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, who visited the Matheny Medical and Educational Center’s Arts Access Program on July 25, along with U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance and Nick Paleologos, chair of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Eileen Murray, director of Arts Access, explained the art facilitation method, emphasizing that, “every creative choice is in the hands of the artists. The facilitators never interject their personal style.”

Then, Chu, Lance and Paleologos visited with several artists and observed them at work with their facilitators.

Matheny is a special hospital and educational facility here for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities. Arts Access is a unique fine arts program enabling individuals with disabilities to fully express themselves in the creative arts.

Lance, who is co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, concluded that, “We look to Matheny to lead the way. Keep up your fine work.”

Photos courtesy of Matheny School