“Trapped first by their bodies, then again by the people around them. One massive barrier wall stacked on top of another. The isolation must be crushing. Yet there is that light in their eyes. How had they kept their spirits alive? What would they tell us if they had the power?”
-Excerpt from Tim Lefens’s book, Flying Colors
Last year, I learned of a breakthrough non-profit art program, unlike any other program I’ve heard of before. This is Artistic Realization Technologies, A.R.T. for short, founded by abstract painter, Tim Lefens of New Jersey.
Tim Lefens created a series of studio techniques that empower those with the most severe physical challenges (in most cases, non-verbal or with “locked-in” syndrome) to make art. Through this program, individuals are able to take uncompromised control of the art-making process and even share their inner expression with the rest of the world. Something most have never been able to do. Perhaps for once, they are set free.
Beautiful.
This month, I’m training as one of the studio assistants, or what Tim calls “trackers”, of A.R.T. It’s critical for trackers to remain completely neutral with no suggestions or guidance, while the artists use us as a tool to create their art. They direct every move from beginning to end with total creative power and authorship.
There are currently 27 studio programs operating in the U.S., not including the one A.R.T. is launching in July. The new pilot program will be held at a cerebral palsy day center in Staten Island, NY and I’ll be the tracker on site. I can’t wait for that journey to begin! The training so far has been an experience beyond words and I learn something amazing every day I’m there.
The art on my blog today are from the artists of A.R.T. These pieces are exhibited at Bwe Kafe in Hoboken, NJ until July. I finally got to check them out and they’re awesome, you should too! There’s something really amazing and beautiful knowing that these works were created by people who’ve never had any type of art training– only completely raw perspectives from those whose thoughts and feelings are trapped by their body’s limitations. I absolutely believe in A.R.T.’s mission. I like to think of it as an operation to bring the magic within, out. Everyone should take chances in their own lives to do that, but when one can’t on their own, such as the artists of A.R.T., they should be given the chance to.
Bwe Kafe / 1002 Washington St / Hoboken, NJ 07030
Please watch the video below to fully understand this phenomenal program –a TED talk by A.R.T. founder, Tim Lefens. He explains it best!
(click image for A.R.T. website)
gale like the wind 