On Sunday November 10th, 150 people gathered to honor Marilynn Schneider for her 20 years of inspiration in Directing the WAE Center at JSDD. Those gathered included: longtime, friends, families of residents and members, current and former staffers, current and former volunteers, board members, peers from throughout the Metrowest Community, original WAE Members and residents, friends from the arts community and more…The gathering reflected the multifaceted program that has thrived with constant care, adaptability and a focus on joy and humanity.
Marilynn addressed those gathered and spoke of her inspiration and continued commitment to the WAE Center, JSDD and all the people and families that are served by this agency. A common thread running through the commentary is the importance of teamwork in realizing so many of the benchmarks of this program. Members of the WAE Center contributed poems, while many wrote of their personal experiences with Marilynn, the WAE Center, JSDD and this vibrant community of WAE artists.
The WAE to Evolve Exhibit was a big part of the day. This retrospective exhibit spans the work of the past 20 years. The exhibition will be on until January 1st at the Gaelen Gallery located at the Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC in West Orange. The work on display and for sale includes 40 artists who have been a part of this amazing program from 2004 through to 2024!
Visit the Exhibit at the Gaelen Gallery located at the Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC in West Orange.
The WAE Center is about the art of being and becoming. Everything that we do is a learning process and about building independence. Every piece of the WAE Center is part of an artistic creative process of becoming a human being. A very important aspect is mutual respect; not a hierarchy and not who is more responsible or more vulnerable. We teach our members through engaging. It is good to help someone but not ok to take over for someone. Not everyone can do the same things, not everyone aspires to the same goal, it is about recognizing that and embracing it.
Poems & Quotes by WAE Center Members
JSDD is grateful to Marilynn for her unwavering commitment and support through the many challenges presented along the way. With an eye to the future, she assembled a team of professionals and provided them with the tools to continue with her voice inside their heads inspiring all to see the potential, appreciate the talent and never underestimate the ability of anyone to achieve extraordinary things.
Photos from the November 10th Event!
Quotes from the Event
