Author name: Monica Schneider-Brewer

Portrait Project

Studio Montclair & WAE Center Collaborate on Student Portrait Project

/ WAE Center News
JSDD’s WAE Center studio artists have been members of Studio Montclair for many years.  The Portrait Project was conceived as an educational and artistic opportunity where both JSDD’s WAE Center and Studio Montclair’s Art Academy brought their facilitators and students to a shared table…and created this reflective work. 

This work is on exhibit from August 1 – August 31, at the gallery of Studio Montclair at 127 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ.  Opening reception to be held “In Real Life” on Saturday August 7 from 1-5pm.


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Pride Artist Talk

Artists Speak about Their Work at Art of Inclusion Opening Reception

/ WAE Center News
On June 22, the LGBTQ+ WAE group gathered with artists, families, allies and friends to convene our first Artists Talk and Opening Reception for the “Art of Inclusion – LGBTQ+ Pride 2021” virtual exhibit.

Hosted by Oscar Marin, four artists spoke about their work and motivation and shared their thoughts about advocacy through art for LGBTQ+ people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).


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WAE Summer Workshops

New WAE Summer Workshops

/ WAE Center News
The new summer workshops are starting!

WAE Workshops offer a creative space where individuals 16 years and over can work with professional artists, practitioners, and facilitators to develop and expand their interests and skills.
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Artist Kimmy F

Celebrating WAE Center Women Artists

/ JSDD News, WAE Center News
Each day, artists Faye Graye, Esther Tanahashi, and Yvette Lucas cultivate, educate, encourage, and bear witness to the artistic process of our WAE Center artists. They are truly passionate about their work as art facilitators and we are truly grateful they are part of the WAE Center.

As Women’s History Month draws to an end, what better way to celebrate all our women artists then to let Faye, Ester, and Yvette reflect on the women members with whom they work?


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LGBTQ+WAE holds second virtual meeting

LGBTQ+WAE Holds Second Virtual Meeting

/ JSDD News, WAE Center News
Group for LGBTQ+ adults with developmental disabilities to meet via Zoom on February 16, 7pm, via Zoom. New members welcome!

LGBTQ+ WAE brings together people who share similar life experiences to enjoy the support of that community. The goal: to lessen the isolation and reduce stereotypes and misperceptions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who identify as LGBTQ+. Regularly scheduled online or in-person meetings allow participants to connect with others who deal with similar issues in a more diverse group than they might otherwise encounter.
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