Note from our WAE Center Director

West Orange, NJ, artist Mansa Mussa has worked with WAE Center artists before. Here he talks about how the “WAE of the Zen” Chair came together through the power of collaboration and inclusion. What is your education and background as an artist?I earned a BA in Media Arts/Television Production at New Jersey City University. I studied visual art with Professor Emeritus Ben Jones at NJCU, and traditional West African dance with Rhonda C. Morman at NJCU. I’ve worked professionally in the fields of dance, percussion, collage, photography, mixed media, graphic design, shadow boxes, iPadology, and installations. 2.  What inspires you?My daughter, Abeni Adura Mussa, my greatest work of art, and the work of artists around the world, particularly the work of […]

Livingston artist Ellen Hanauer shares how working with WAE Center artists on the “Love Seat” and “Ascend” chair opened her heart, and why she chose to work with all the Center’s artists, rather than a few. 1.  What is your education and background as an artist?I earned a BFA from Syracuse University in advertising design, and studied human body in cadaver labs/lectures at UMDNJ to prepare me as a sculptor. 2.  What inspires you?Nature, science, including biology and physics – specifically anatomy, embryology and quantum physics –prehistory, spirituality, and prayer 3. How would you describe your artistic style and your process?My work has been described as original, organic and experimental. I am interested in things that are hidden – worlds that exist […]

Verona, NJ, artist Susanna Baker gets her inspiration from the world – and especially the weird things her kids do. Here, she talks about how much fun she had working on the Chairs of Inclusion project and why the circle theme was so important to her work.   What is your education and background as an artist?I have a BFA in painting from Rhode Island School of Design.  About 10 years ago, I became a full-time artist after putting it on the back burner for a long time. What inspires you?My children and their weird habits actually provide a lot of inspiration. I am of course also inspired by the world around us. How would you describe your artistic style […]

Artist Jennifer Levine talks about the joy she experienced collaborating with WAE Center artists and how “starting local” is advice she lives by every day.   1.  What is your education and background as an artist?I have a BA in Jewish Studies from UMASS/Amherst, and also completed a two-year conservatory program at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts. I have worked as a classroom teacher in private schools for over twenty years. 2.  What inspires you?The people I am working with, my environment, my immediate surroundings, the interactions and things happening in the present moment. 3. How would you describe your artistic style and your process?My theme-portraits and large-scale paintings on canvas and wood convey the same whimsical themes […]

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 […]