Note from our WAE Center Director

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 […]

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 […]