Monica Schneider-Brewer

  LGBTQ+ WAE will be holding its’ first meeting of 2021, on Thursday January 21st at 7pm!   This group has come together with the express purpose of building a social community for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who identify as LGBTQ+.  Additionally, the goal is to provide resources for families, caretakers, and allies to better understand and advocate for their loved ones who face a unique set of life experiences and challenges. WAE Center member, Kristen I., lent her voice to its establishment in 2018 by expressing the need and benefits that such a group provides to members of the IDD and ASD communities. Regular meetings were suspended with the onset of […]

Lisa Ficarelli-Halpern brings her extensive background in fashion design and textiles to “Dialogue of Four Chairs,” her Chairs of Inclusion project. Here, Lisa talks about her craft and working with WAE Center artists. What is your education and background as an artist?I have been a practicing painter for 20 years and have extensive background in fashion design and textiles. I earned an undergraduate at Parsons School of Design, and a MFA in painting from New Jersey City University. I also served as an executive designer for Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, overseeing all aspects of home collection design. What inspires you?I am inspired by art history and by beautiful things, both man-made and in nature. I pay great attention to the […]

Yvette Lucas, Chairs of Inclusion artist and WAE Beyond program coordinator, talks about the inspiration she receives from nature and the lovely thoughts and feelings that inspired the Care Chair. What is your education and background as an artist?I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Cooper Union, completed undergraduate work at Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University), and did supplemental study at the School of Visual Arts (NYC). What inspires you?Nature. I love to visit woods, parks, and gardens. I’m also inspired by the work of other artists no matter what medium they use. How would you describe your artistic style and your process?My subject matter centers on the outdoors and our responses to the elements in […]

Visual artist Tim Folzenlogen’s inspiration for the Chairs of Inclusion project was the interconnectedness of everyone. Here, he talks about his art and the challenges and rewards of creating the Chair. What is your education and background as an artist?I am a graduate of The Art Academy of Cincinnati (class of ‘74). I have a BFA. I established my first studio in NYC in the early eighties. I have had 60 solo shows, and have participated in at least as many group shows. I’m in lots of major collections, and probably have a couple thousand pieces of art hanging out there somewhere. I’m currently an art facilitator at the WAE Center and am very happy to be. What inspires you?From the age of five, until […]

Dan Fenelon, a professional artist based in Morristown, NJ, (www.danfenelon.com), talks about his background and his experience collaborating with WAE Center members on “When Chairs Fly,” one of the Chairs of Inclusion. What is your education and background as an artist?I was educated at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, and have been a working artist for 25 years.  I’ve done 17 one-man shows. What inspires you?Modern Art, Tribal Art, Street Art How would you describe your artistic style and your process? Urban Tribal. Multi-disciplined. What initially inspired your Chair concept?I wanted the chair to be uplifting and spiritually inspired. What was your experience working at the WAE Center on your Chair?I enjoyed working with everyone on my […]