Note from our WAE Center Director

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 […]

Each WAE Center member who participated in the Chairs of Inclusion project had a unique experience. Here’s what a few of our members have shared with us. Jack, one of our poets, worked with artist Yvette Lucas on the Care Chair. For this chair, our members were invited to write what they would say to someone who sits in the chair, so that person would feel nurtured. Yvette photographed and then transferred their words to cloth, which was then used to upholster the arms and seat of the chair. Jack says, “I love poetry and I LOVED this chair. I wrote, ‘I hope you find love and passion and that you cuddle with someone you love in this chair.’ ” The Care […]

The Chairs of Inclusion concept was born about four years ago, when a group of women from Jewish Federation visited the WAE Center to learn about our program. JSDD’s WAE Center was founded on the belief and knowledge that each individual possesses the potential for creating a meaningful life, a process we call “Finding the Spark Within.” Inclusion is implemented every single day by facilitators trained to bring people of diverse abilities together as equals. As this group of women sat around the conference table talking about inclusion a light bulb went off.  We, ourselves, were such a diverse group, with different talents and abilities. Yet, as we all took a seat at the table, we became equals in the conversation. […]