Art and Soul
This year's Art and Soul is moving to a bigger and better than ever. "With our partners at M2 Gallery, we are moving the event to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church," says Wendy See, chairman of Easter Seals Board of Directors.
The event, which features artwork by Easter Seals adults and children, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The new space will allow Easter Seals to better showcase all the artwork by Easter Seals participants, in addition to the professionals who have generously donated their valuable work. The Art and Soul committee is being led by Judy Tenenbaum, Sharon Heflin, Vincent Insalaco and Gary Davis. "They have given us many fresh ideas to make the evening memorable for our longtime supporters and engaging for those new to Easter Seals events," Wendy says.
"You can also expect some extraordinary talent," she adds. "It's amazing to see how the children's artwork is transformed from a piece you might display on your refrigerator to a piece you'll proudly hang in your living room - which I have done myself - after it is matted and framed by the talented artists of M2 Gallery." Wendy notes that some of the children and adults will attend the event with their parents. "You will have the opportunity to meet them and to hear their success story about their journey to independence with Easter Seals."
Wendy was first introduced to Easter Seals in 1999 and became involved in the young professionals auxiliary. "We supported fundraising events, assisted with Halloween and Christmas parties for children, and simply pitched in with various projects that arose in the course of providing services to children and adults with disabilities." At the time, her twin sons were 4 years old and she found many volunteer opportunities in which they could be included.
As chairman of the board, Wendy has worked closely with the Easter Seals CEO, she says, to endorse expansion of the organization's autism and adult training and wellness services. She also has been involved in development efforts to provide the funding necessary to support these projects. By day, Wendy is a pharmacist and account executive for CVS Caremark. Her boys, Parker and Bradley, are now 15. "We have a new puppy that keeps us pretty busy, but I do find the time to play tennis and run. I'm training for another half-marathon in March."
Wendy encourages people to attend the event because the arts are so important at Easter Seals. It gives clients the ability to participate and express themselves, regardless of their abilities. "This event allows the children and adults at Easter Seals the opportunity to showcase their talents. It also allows our guests an opportunity to meet some of our clients and their families and hear their stories of success in a casual and fun environment."
