Two local artists in the Matheny Medical and Educational Center’s Arts Access Program are showcasing their artwork at the Morris Arts’ “Reemergence and Renewal” exhibit at the Atrium Gallery in Morristown.
The exhibit, which features 28 pieces of artwork from Arts Access artists, opened May 13 and will continue through Sept. 2. A free opening reception was held on June 16.
Anthony Zaccaria is an artist who’s been inspired by his favorite movies and places, especially animated films and anything Disney.
Lee Papierowicz creates artwork by working with photographs or reference pictures, constantly putting her own spin on the images.
Matheny is a special hospital and educational facility for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities in Peapack, Somerset County. Arts Access provides individuals with disabilities the freedom to create in the visual, literary and performing arts, according to the program’s press release.
Zaccaria lives in North Brunswick with his family. His mom, Sue, said his participation in Arts Access “allows him to choose shapes, textures and colors as he feels and envisions them. The Arts Access Program helps Anthony be independent by allowing him to make his own choices. This program has helped Anthony with his confidence in himself and his ability to show his talent. Anthony is so proud of his work, and we are so proud of him.”
Joe Matousek, visual arts facilitator at Arts Access, said Zaccaria “continues to surprise me with his unique way of creating his versions of his favorite cartoon characters.”
Zaccaria’s “Disney World with Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh” is featured on the morrisarts.org website.
“[He] uses every tool available in the studio and is particularly drawn to bright colors. He tends to combine various mixed media on every painting, layering colors, shapes and splatter together to create some amazing effects,” Matousek said.
Papierowicz lives with her family in Monmouth Junction.
Matousek said Papierowicz is “a passionate artist always creating artwork from the heart. She is extremely detailed and wants everything in her painting to be just right. She is an amazing artist who likes to be precise and have artwork that captivates the viewer.”
The Atrium Gallery is located at 10 Court St. in Morristown. The “Reemergence and Renewal” exhibit also includes 70 works by 24 African American artists selected by Art in the Atrium and 40 works by Hungarian-born artist Shoshana Kertesz.
Morris Arts, founded in 1973, has been “building community through the arts” for more than 46 years.
For more information about the Matheny’s Arts Access Program visit https://artsaccessprogram.org/.