Getting to know Esther & Lisette of the WAE Studio
Esther Tanahashi
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to work with adults with IDD in a wellness and arts program?
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, when I discovered and came to the WAE Center. I found myself at that crossroad where wellness and art met in my own life. After learning from my mother who was an artist as well as many other painters over the years, my interest shifted. I no longer felt that the outcome was as important in my own work as was the process itself. It was just then that I saw that little ad in my local paper. “Artists sought for a unique art program for people with disabilities”. That was clearly a long time ago!
Can you share a memorable experience or success story from the program that had a significant impact on one of the participants?
There are so many outstanding moments for me at the WAE Center Art Studio to remember. If I had to name one, I could choose this man with a big hat, sitting at the round lunch table. I sat with him and the other members. The man with the hat was grumpy. He was talking to whomever would listen, saying that he had been sent here by his brother. “There is nothing to do for me here” he muttered. In response I ventured, “Why not try and see what is going on in the art studio?” I am sure I was not the only staff suggesting things like this to this “hat man” named Louis. The good news is, he did come to the art studio that day and he did grow to like it. In fact, he hardly ever left it and created a portfolio there of several hundred paintings. What a talent, still waiting to be discovered by the wider world.
How do you believe the arts contribute to the well-being and personal growth of adults with IDD?
To me, much of the beauty of this program is the space members are given for exploring and experimenting in their art making. To not be corrected but gently shown when the moment is right. To not be judged but given permission. To be met with curiosity and openness seems much the tone we as facilitators try to set in the studio. Giving space for self-discovery is the best gift I can give to our members. It opens me to my own learning and discovery too.
The program is celebrating 20 years—what do you think has been key to its longevity and success?
I believe the success of our center as a whole has much to do with Marilynn Schneider. She created the WAE Center from a place of genuine care and I have seen her work tirelessly to improve and enrich the lives of our members. One beautiful example is the flexibility with which she and her team created a whole program on Zoom in what seemed no time at all, when Covid happened. It allowed us to keep all connected and engaged for the long years we were unable to open the center. I feel privileged to have been and still am part of this creation.
What are your hopes for the future of this program? Are there any new directions or innovations you’d like to explore in the coming years?
My hope is that the intention and heart of the Wae Center lives on in whatever form and in however many ways it will keep evolving and grow.
Lisette Rotman
How long have you been with the program, and how has your role evolved over the years?
I’ve been with the WAE Center since April 2005 – Esther and I began together with our art facilitator training at Matheny Arts Access. Shortly after, I became the Studio Manager at WAE and with Esther continued to solidify the art program and train additional artist facilitators. I also photographed and catalogued the artwork and created our first printed art catalogue which I still adore! Originally, we were only open 2 days a week, but as the program continued to expand and eventually be open 5 days a week, with my other commitments, I stepped down as Studio Manager and continued to work as an Art Facilitator. I also did some graphic design to promote the artists and program, designed the Chairs of Inclusion collateral, as well as participated in curating art shows with our artists’ work. In 2017, I created the WAE Gallery website which showcases the work of WAE artists – something we had been wanting to do for years, and I continue to maintain it. Today, I continue to work in the Art Studio on site once a week with a focus on 1:1 art sessions. I work with WAE artists in both traditional and digital art mediums since I use both myself and have worked with a few of our artists on their social media presence as well as their websites which showcase their work. My graphic design role has also expanded. I assist with our social media and now create much of the marketing materials for not only WAE but also JSDD, Heidi Gallery and LHT.
How do you believe the arts contribute to the well-being and personal growth of adults with IDD?
The opportunity to have a space where you can express and explore your creativity freely, without judgement, and with neutral support is such a wonderful thing. The way we work in our 1:1’s, exposing the artists to what is available and offering options, but where they make every choice gives the artists confidence in their voice and I think that spills over into other areas of their lives.
Can you share a memorable experience or success story from the program that had a significant impact on one of the participants?
One of our artists who started with us when we were still at B’nai Shalom in West Orange, used to dismiss his art potential in the beginning quite a bit. He always stated it was his sister who is the artist in the family. However, he would sometimes come to the Art Studio and create work. After working with us for years, this artist has become very confident in their abilities and absolutely describes himself as an Artist now. He takes great pride in his work and wants it shown so people can see and appreciate it. It has been such a pleasure to see this growth. One time when asked to select one of his drawings amongst a few, he replied, “How can I choose a favorite? It’s like choosing amongst my children.”
How do you balance providing guidance with encouraging participants to express their individual creativity? What advice would you give to new art facilitators or educators starting in similar programs?
Step back. People tend to impose themselves too much, especially in creative spaces – we often feel we are not being “productive” unless we are doing so. However, I have found that the opposite is where the magic lies. We take so many choices we make for ourselves for granted, that we can forget to offer those same choices to others. I’ll never forget when an art teacher painted on top of a piece of my painting to “fix it” and how I threw it away after because it was no longer mine. I would never want an artist to feel that way. Expose and support, yes, but giving the artist space and respect and allowing them freedom of choice in their artistic expression is pivotal. 1:1 sessions are truly individualized. While there may be time for guidance for some artists, they often really guide you in what they need and want. Steven W. z”l is a perfect example of that – discovering and creating new textures, techniques and colors we didn’t even know could exist. So, you need to step back and listen and be open.
Also, be in the moment and focus on the process instead of the result. While some of our artists really enjoy displaying and selling their work, several of our artists are completely absorbed in the joy of their process (e.g. scooping the paint, the movement of their brush strokes) with little interest in the outcome, which is something I think we all can learn from. Everyone is different and I love getting to know all our artists.
The program is celebrating 20 years—what do you think has been key to its longevity and success?
The experiences and relationships members and staff experience here at the WAE Center is truly something special. There is learning, exploring, expressing, building relationships and more. The class offerings we provide and the exceptional facilitators, staff and volunteers we have are really unique and beyond. Sometimes it feels indescribable, but WAE really is a big, wonderful family. I’ve experienced so many magical moments and connections here throughout the years, more than I can count.
What makes this anniversary celebration special for you, and how do you think the participants are reacting to it?
I can’t believe it’s 20 years honestly and that I’ve been part of it for all this time. I still remember walking in for my interview at B’nai Shalom in West Orange. I’ve been feeling very nostalgic and remembering all the different experiences throughout the years and spaces. What a special thing to see something grow so beautifully and impact so many people. I just feel so lucky and honored that Marilynn hired me all those years ago and put trust in me. I was very young and in a transitional place, and it was all very new to me, but she had confidence in what I could bring. I fell in love with the members, my co-workers, the methodology and the program and it has impacted me in innumerable ways. My bond with Esther and all that we’ve done and experienced together at WAE is something I cherish very much. I honestly haven’t spoken to the members about the anniversary yet, but I have known and worked with some of them since my very first day here, which is remarkable to me.
What are your hopes for the future of this program? Are there any new directions or innovations you’d like to explore in the coming years?
I just want the artists to continue to have a space to express themselves and create whatever their heart desires. Some of our artists have such incredible bodies of work, and I would love for them to be recognized for how talented they are, have more exposure and one person art shows because some can easily fill a space beautifully!
