Art Classes In Montclair Reach Out To People With Disabilities

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Montclair Art Museum. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) has announced a new Access Program – private studio instruction for kids, teens, and adults of all abilities through live instruction online and on-site in MAM’s studio.

The program seeks to fill the “missing piece” of MAM’s well-established commitment to access and inclusion by offering studio classes accessible to those with disabilities – a historically underserved segment of the general public – through inclusive group classes and workshops (both in-person and virtual) taught by trained educators or private individual and small group lessons designed specifically for an individual’s goals. MAM’s studio classes nurture artistic talents in people of all abilities.

“We believe the Montclair Art Museum and its programs are not whole unless everyone is able to fully participate and belong, and celebrate each other’s talents,” says Leah Fox, Director of Vance Wall Education Center. “The new Access Program: Private instruction builds upon a legacy that Margaret Yard brought to MAM when the Yard School of Art and MAM merged over 20 years ago. Over this past year, we have been working to make this new program a reality, and create space for people of all ages and abilities to explore, create, and develop their artistic voice as part of MAM’s community.”

"It’s an opportunity for people to explore art making for the first time or build on existing skill sets in specific areas of interest with a flexibility in scheduling and customization not typically available," adds Celene Ryan, Access and Outreach Consultant.

Classes are accessible to all artists including people on the autism spectrum, people with physical disabilities, intellectual and learning disabilities, sight loss or hearing loss, chronic illness, or mental illness. MAM is an approved Goods and Services provider through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and we provide captioning or ASL upon request.

Artists, families, and support coordinators are invited to join MAM for a Virtual Open House on the Access Program: Private Studio Instruction on Friday, Dec. 11 at noon.

The Access Program is just one of the many accessibility services and programs offered at the Museum, which strives to be a welcoming place for all.

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