Celebrating Matheny’s Arts Access Program

“I am so very proud of the work being done here. No arts program is more unique than Matheny’s.” With those words, Nicholas Paleologos, executive director of the New Jersey State Council of the Arts and honorary chair of Full Circle 2015: Perspectives, welcomed those who had come to see a stage presentation of dance, drama and creative writing at the annual celebration of Matheny’s Arts Access Program. The stage presentation was accompanied by a visual arts exhibition featuring the work of more than 50 Arts Access artists.

Members of the community were also treated to food and beverages donated by Café Azzurro and cocoLuxe Fine Pastries in Peapack; Gladstone Tavern in Gladstone; 3 West and Urban Table in Basking Ridge; and Village Office Supply in Somerset. Gold sponsor of Full Circle was Mr. and Mrs. Man S. Yu; Bronze sponsors were John and Maureen Dreher, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. Durr, Eagle Electrical Contracting Service, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Goldrosen, Melissa Heller, and Stephanie A. Young.

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“Zip A Dee Doo Dah”, a dance choreographed by Arts Access artist Dani Urso-King, was performed by Urso-King and professional dancer Patty Romano.

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Nicholas Paleologos and Arts Access artist Natalia Manning.

Eileen Murray, director of the Arts Access Program, emphasized that, “Every artist expresses a unique viewpoint. Art,” adding that, “art can change our perspective, or give us a new one.” Edana Desatnick, co-chair of Matheny’s Board of Trustees and parent of a Matheny resident, thanked everyone in attendance for their support of Matheny and the Arts Access Program.