On April 18, 2007 Arc Resources Unlimited (ARU), part of the employment services department of The Arc of Monmouth, in collaboration with VSA arts of New Jersey, held the inaugural opening of their art gallery located at Freehold Raceway Mall. Since that time these organizations have played an important role in meeting the needs of artists with disabilities: encouraging their artistic accomplishments, involving the general public through exhibits and events, and in marketing the art.

On April 19, 2008, the artists and the staff of ARU and VSA arts of New Jersey will be celebrating their first anniversary. The festivities will begin with an open house at 12:00 noon with a reception to follow from 2:30pm until 4:00pm at the gallery located at the Freehold Raceway Mall. The gallery's new official name will also be revealed!

ARU has been providing employment services in the Freehold Raceway Mall since the opening of the Mall in 1986. ARU's team of professionals assists people who have disabilities in finding jobs reflective of their skills and talents. ARU continues support during the training process, and on an as-needed basis after the person has become successfully employed.

VSA arts of New Jersey is a part of the international VSA arts network affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC founded in 1978. Their programs are dedicated to promoting the creative power of people with disabilities in art education, professional development, award competitions, festivals and performances throughout the state.

Since its opening, the gallery has displayed art for retail of 15 artists with disabilities, and arranged exhibits featuring the artistic talents of the students from the Rugby School of Wall Township and students of the High Point Adolescent School in Morganville, among others.

Several well-attended "Meet the Artists" receptions were held in the past year to provide the community the opportunity to interact with the artists, and to further promote the abilities and skills of these very talented people. The public values their art as reflected by the many works of art purchased in the past year.

Since it's opening, the gallery also received a grant from the Monmouth County Arts Council. This combined with donations received from generous supporters of The Arc of Monmouth allowed its staff to extend the opening hours of the gallery to include some evenings and weekends. This in turn has provided the opportunity for art therapy sessions and workshops designed to enhance the creative abilities of young people with disabilities and to foster the family experience of the art.

Members of the public are invited to come and see the latest art exhibit, have the opportunity to purchase both original and reproduction prints of the beautiful artwork and meet talented artists. We hope to welcome many children and would like to encourage them to express their creative abilities during the festivities. We have invited and anticipate the presence of many community leaders and dignitaries.

For more information please contact:

ARU:(732)-866-0435, www.arcofmonmouth.org.

VSA arts of New Jersey (732) 745-3885, www.vsanj.org.

The Arc of Monmouth serves over 1400 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families each year with education, vocational training, residential services, health care, supported employment, recreation, social services and advocacy.

Looking forward to seeing you! For more information about the Gallery and the Artists visit us at the Freehold Raceway Mall (upstairs next to Sears) or contact us at (732)-866-0435.