Galleries at Kean University Presents Transcending Boundaries: The Artist at Work

GALLERIES AT KEAN PRESENTS TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES: THE ARTIST AT WORK Featuring Artists of the Matheny Arts Access Program February 9 – May 1, 2026 Liberty Hall Academic Center Gallery | Kean University Union, NJ — February 2026 — The Galleries at Kean is proud to present Transcending Boundaries: The Artist at Work on view from February 9 to May 1, 2026 in the Liberty Hall Academic Center Gallery at Kean University. The exhibition brings together a powerful selection of artwork created through the Matheny Arts Access Program, a nationally- recognized initiative that empowers artists with disabilities to work in visual, literary, and performing arts. [galleries.kean.edu] At the heart of Transcending Boundaries: The Artist at Work is the idea that art functions as a universal language, one that extends beyond speech, culture, and physical ability. The works on view demonstrate how the act of creating becomes a means of communication in its own right. Through bold mark‐making, vibrant color, dynamic compositions, and deeply personal imagery, these artists convey stories, emotions, and perspectives that might otherwise remain unheard. [galleries.kean.edu] The exhibition celebrates the originality, authenticity, and curiosity that define each artist’s practice. Their works reflect the diverse experiences that shape us while emphasizing the shared human connections that unite us. Taken together, the artworks stand as a testament to the power of creativity to bring people together and to expand how we understand expression, authorship, and artistic voice. [galleries.kean.edu] Founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to meaningful artistic expression, the Matheny Arts Access Program provides a professional studio environment supported by trained facilitators and adaptive systems for painting, digital art, sculpture, choreography, and creative writing. These resources allow artists with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities to pursue their artistic visions independently and authentically. For many participants, the studio becomes a place of agency, confidence, and community where artistic identity can flourish. [galleries.kean.edu] By presenting this work at Kean University, Transcending Boundaries – The Artist at Work affirms the essential role of inclusion within the arts and highlights how creativity thrives when every voice has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and valued. [galleries.kean.edu] Artists on view include Cheryl Chapin, Chet Cheesman, TJ Christian, Benjamin Cuison, Jess Evans, Philip Fisher, James Formisano, Karen Frascella, Brad Goldman, Bari Kim Goldrosen, Joshua Handler, Tammy Heppner, Ellen Kane, Richard Kozlick, Amy Lambert, James Lane, Andy Lash, Rasheedah Mahali, Natalia Manning, David Miller, Amy Myers, Jasmine Oliver, Chris Palmer, Luis Rodriguez, Paul Santo, Cindy Shanks, Nancy Soto, Daniel Teresi, Dani Urso-King, Jason Weiner, Karen Yates, and Anthony Zaccaria. The exhibition also features poems by Raven Bennett., Jennifer Durr, and Anthony Lafond. The Arts Access Program is an integral part of Matheny, a special hospital and school in Peapack, New Jersey, dedicated to providing exceptional care and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs. Rooted in Matheny’s mission to offer comprehensive, person-centered support, Arts Access extends this commitment into the creative realm by ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to engage in meaningful artistic expression regardless of physical or communicative challenges. Through Arts Access, Matheny extends its support beyond medical and daily care, giving individuals a place to express themselves, grow creatively, and experience a community that values every dimension of their lives. Opening Reception The Galleries at Kean invite the public to celebrate the exhibition with an opening reception. Opening Reception: Tuesday, February 19, 2026 5:00–7:00 p.m. Liberty Hall Academic Center Gallery, Kean University The reception is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged: https://kean.vbotickets.com/event/Reception_Transcending_Boundaries_The_Artist_at_Work/182101 Exhibition Details Exhibition: Transcending Boundaries: The Artist at Work Dates: February 9 – May 1, 2026 Location: Liberty Hall Academic Center Gallery, Kean University Admission: Free and open to the public Exhibition Information & Registration: https://kean.vbotickets.com/event/Transcending_Boundaries_The_Artist_at_Work/181983 About the Galleries at Kean The Galleries at Kean present more than a dozen exhibitions each academic year across six on‐campus galleries, showcasing professional artists, traveling exhibitions, faculty projects, and student work. Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, the Galleries at Kean advance education and foster community engagement through the visual arts. [galleries.kean.edu]

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