Artists with disabilities show work at new gallery

A new art gallery at the Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold Township will showcase work by artists with disabilities.

Arc Resources Unlimited (ARU), a program of The Arc of Monmouth, and VSA arts of New Jersey (VSA/NJ), formerly Very Special Arts New Jersey, recently announced their collaboration on the new art gallery, which will offer exhibits, receptions with the artists, workshops and open-house gatherings.

Thea Strong, director of employment services for The Arc of Monmouth, said the future of the gallery is promising.

"We have been working closely with the management of the Freehold Raceway Mall in making this all possible," she said. "The previous owners of the Freehold Raceway Mall generously provided us the space to conduct our services, and we are very appreciative that the Macerich Co. understands the importance of our mission and agreed to continue this wonderful tradition."

ARU has been providing employment services in the Freehold Raceway Mall since the mall opened in 1986. Its team of professionals assists the disabled in finding jobs reflective of their skills, abilities and talents, and continues support during the training process and on an as-needed basis after a person has become successfully employed.

In ARU's quest to promote the skills, talents and dreams of people with disabilities, the collaboration with VSA/NJ was a natural progression, according to Strong.

VSA arts of New Jersey is part of the international VSA arts network, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1978, VSA/NJ is dedicated to promoting the creative power of people who are disabled.

The gallery is located on the upper level of the Freehold Raceway Mall next to Sears. Members of the public are invited to visit the latest exhibit, see the art for retail sale and meet the ARU staff.