On Sunday, July 13, art enthusiasts joined the artists of Matheny Arts Access and JSDD’s WAE Center for the opening reception of Summer Symbiosis at JSDD’s Heidi Gallery in Livingston, NJ.

Now in its second year, Summer Symbiosis is a collaborative exhibit that brings together the artists from Arts Access and the WAE Center. The focus of the exhibit is to dispel the preconceived ideas about what artists with development disabilities can do and instead show the world what they are truly capable of, their creativity, imagination, and perseverance.

The gallery was teeming with artists, families, friends, and staff during Sunday’s reception. All were excited to see the art and hear the artists speak about their work and their unique processes.

Monica Schneider-Brewer, Director of Marketing and Communications at the WAE Center, and Heather Williams, the Program Director of Matheny Arts Access, welcomed everyone to the event with a brief introduction to the exhibit and the longstanding collaborative relationship between the two organizations.

Afterwards, attendees were free to peruse the artwork on display and chat with the artists in attendance. Four artists from Arts Access, including Isabell Villacis, Anthony Zaccaria, and Matthew and Morgan Krolik, were present at the reception. They and the WAE Center artists were thrilled to see their work on display and for the opportunity to talk with the crowd about their experiences as artists with disabilities.

Congratulations to all of the artists and thank you to all who came out to support. View the exhibit now through Sunday, August 10.

The Heidi Gallery is located at 310 Eisenhower Parkway in Livingston, NJ. The gallery is open Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm.