Reception in Peapack-Gladstone to honor work of Matheny artists

Visual and performing artists at Matheny Medical and Educational Center will express themselves Saturday at a reception open to the public.

Visitors can view about 50 works of art, including paintings and digital art produced by patients with the assistance of professional artists, said Matheny spokesman Sanford Josephson. This year's exhibit will include several "munny dolls" inspired by the colorful dolls created by artist Dan Fenelon from Madison.
A stage presentation will showcase theater, dance, music and poetry created by Matheny patients. Some poetry and drama will be read by Broadway actors, although some pieces will be read by their creators, Josephson said.
A guest performance by the Heidi Latsky Dance Company, a New York-based modern arts dance company, also is planned.
Patient artists worked to create either digital or painted art by using a computer or by communicating their choice of colors, shapes and brushstrokes to a professional artist who carefully conveys the images sought by the Matheny artist, Josephson said.
Tickets to Saturday's event will include access to gourmet culinary food stations. Food will be provided by restaurants Ciao Cucina and 3 West, both in Bernards, Due Terre Enoteca of Bernardsville and the Pluckemin Inn from Bedminster.
Desserts will be provided by cocoLuxe in Peapack-Gladstone, the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, and Zen Chocolate in Watchung.
All proceeds benefit Matheny. The event is sponsored by Affinity Federal Credit Union in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards.
Arts Access is partly funded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the state partner agency for the National Endowment for the Arts, according to Matheny.
Linda Sadlouskos: 908-243-6608; lsadlouskos@MyCentralJersey.com