The universal language of art opens up a world of opportunities for the creator and the viewer, the individual and the community, encouraging us all to understand and appreciate abilities in a new light.
The YAI ARTS initiative currently includes a Gallery program and a Design program, and in the near future will expand to include Literature and Theatre. Painters, photographers, designers, sculptors, writers, performers and more are offered training, tools and materials and a space to produce their work as well as opportunities to exhibit and sell their work to the public. In doing so, YAI ARTS celebrates the artistic aptitudes of all individuals and recognizes their exceptional abilities as a path to independence.
Partnership opportunities include helping to establish art studios, offer training and apprentice programs to emerging artists, and supporting art therapy programs so that participants can nurture their talent while building communication skills. Businesses may also consider creating gallery walls in their work spaces, publishing art books or producing documentaries and photo essays that highlight the power of visual expression.
For more information about the programs offered through YAI ARTS or to learn how to partner with us, please visit yai.org/art or contact:
Seema Moondra, YAI ARTS Coordinator [email protected] | 212.273.6115
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Gallery YAI
Gallery YAI, a YAI ARTS program, offers artists the opportunity to share their visions, develop new skills, exhibit their work and connect with the community. This program brings the work of painters, sculptors, photographers and other Gallery YAI artists to the public via art shows, gallery displays and publishing opportunities.
Activities and programs offered through Gallery YAI are supported by donations and proceeds from the sale of artwork. Artists receive sixty percent of the profits from the sale of their work and the remaining funds provide art supplies, lessons, and opportunities to exhibit their art and challenge the world to see beyond disability.
Funds and grants also support opportunities for personal and artistic growth. Generous donations have allowed for our “A Day with an Artist” program that enables YAI artists to spend a day learning from established artists. Gallery YAI also offers a unique way for businesses to connect with the artists by setting up Gallery Walls on their premises. Corporate grants also allow us to provide mentorships for artists and to help them give back to their communities through art projects.
Current grant funding also supports the Gallery YAI Art Studio. The Studio provides weekly two-hour sessions for artists to learn from and work with a studio artist. This also provides an opportunity for artists to socialize, share their creative visions, support each other and inspire others to engage in the arts.
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Dieurirssaint Andre
Dieurissaint has been drawing since the age of 17. He has no formal training, but family members and a tutor were quick to notice and encourage his natural talent. Dieurissaint’s work is inspired by history and by the work of other artists he admires.
His art focuses on the names of people with symbolic, representative images associated with that person, and he appreciates when others are able to unlock the hidden meanings and messages contained within.
“I like to draw because it gives me an identity. It makes me who I am. It feels like a special gift. It helps me to explain other people/situations and process information.” –Dieurirssaint
Dieurirssaint Andre Santa Claus and Angel Marker and Pen on Paper 12” x 8”
Anel Jean Baptiste, Jr.
Anel Jean Baptiste, Jr. began learning from his mother how to draw and color at a very young age. As a child, he also watched artist Bob Ross on television and recalls learning how to make criss-cross strokes by imitating Bob. Anel describes himself as having a photographic memory and finds inspirations from old neighborhoods and familiar places from his childhood. He uses his skills as an artist to preserve his past and create a legacy. Anel is grateful to his mom for encouraging him to be creative.
Anel Jean Baptiste, Jr. Clarkson Avenue Subway Acrylic on Canvas Board 16” x 12”
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“When people appreciate my work, it feels like I am being honored. Painting keeps my heritage alive and I hope it will be my legacy–something by which people can remember me.” –Anel
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Vanessa Blas
Vanessa Blas, a shy teenager, found her voice–and her passion–at age twelve when she began drawing anime figures that she saw on television. Soon after, Vanessa began to create her own anime-style figures. She is also interested in graphic arts, intricate patterns and in clothing design. Vanessa enjoys listening to music and reading about the history of the world.
“I am a day-dreamer. Art and drawing helps me to express all of the ideas that I think about each day.” –Vanessa
Vanessa Blas Jester Watercolors on Paper 24” x 30”
Amoako Buachie
Amoako Buachie has been drawing and painting since childhood. He enjoys drawing people, cities and cartoon characters. Disney animation films inspire him to create his own cartoon characters. Currently a student in High School, Art is Amoako’s favorite class and some of his paintings were recently selected for an exhibition held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. For Amoako, art is not only a means to express himself, but an activity which he finds very soothing.
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“When my friends at school tell me that they are amazed by my drawings, I feel very excited and proud. Creating art makes me feel calm and gives me an opportunity to exress myself.” –Amoako
Amoako Buachie Untitled Acrylic on Canvas 24” x 18”
Tyron Davis
As an eight-year-old, Tyron Davis enjoyed capturing the intricacies of subway maps as he traveled around Chicago. His love of drawing and painting developed as a young boy when he attended a summer art program. After taking a “Fundamentals in Art” class, Tyron was captivated by graphic arts. Today, he produces graphic style paintings of holidays, vacations and his surroundings, and enjoys experimenting with different font styles.
Tyron Davis
Everyday People in the City Markers on Paper
14.75” x 10.5” 8
“Art is the most important thing for me. It allows me to create a visual documentation of my surroundings–of my life. It all begins with my vision. Without that, you can’t go anywhere in life.” –Tyron
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Sol Groduitsky
Sol began creating art when he was 16 years old. As he got older and his skills progressed, a teacher noticed his talent and encouraged him to continue to pursue it. While he has never trained formally or showed his work competitively, he is eager to explore both possibilities. Dogs, houses and fish are favorite subjects, and he enjoys working with glitter paint, watercolors and charcoal. Sol is inspired by museum visits, when seeing the work of other artists provides him with ideas about what he can paint next.
Sol Groduitsky Camp Scene Acrylic on Canvas 26” x 20.5” “When I make art, it makes me feel good. To me, my art shows the best sides
of me. To me, my art shows me that I can do some things that everybody else can do. I believe art is for everybody.” –Sol
Samuel Ho
Samuel has been drawing since childhood and he enjoys his high school art class. He enjoys searching books and the Internet for new ideas to create paper crafts, drawings and paintings at home. Samuel’s sketch books are filled with observations and detailed drawings of dinosaurs, animals, nature, and just about anything that captures his imagination.
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“I enjoy making art and beautiful things. It makes me happy to draw.” –Samuel
Samuel Ho Life Acrylic on Canvas 10.5” x 13”
Greta Horn
Greta Horn was inspired by her late boyfriend Malvin Palmer, who discovered his creative talents after he and his roommate began painting. Greta joined them and discovered that she enjoyed creating art and loved learning from her friends. She enjoys displaying her art and is extremely proud of the hard work that she puts into creating beautiful paintings.
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Greta Horn Vase of Flowers Watercolors on Paper 10.25” x 12” “When I started painting I did not know I could do it but now I feel
Robert Jenkins, Jr.
Robert Jenkins, Jr. has been drawing since he received lessons from his grandmother as a young boy. He developed his skills by practicing at home, in school and at the various summer camps he attended. Two of Robert’s proudest moments came about through his love of art: in 1986 he surprised his parents on their anniversary with a painting of Mt. Calvary Church and today that painting still hangs in the auditorium of the family’s Church. Also to his delight, in 1991, a photograph of Robert’s work Cathedral of Notre Dame was published in The Daily News. Robert, who is also a very active member of YAI’s self-advocates group, enjoys painting oceans, buildings, ships and portraits.
“I feel good about getting my art work exhibited and sold and I like getting paid for it. Whenever I get a check, I feel proud to have earned the money myself and to be able to put it in the bank.” –Robert
Robert Jenkins, Jr. Freedom Tower Watercolors on Paper 9” x 12” 12
Elise Kellman
Elise Kellman lives at the YAI Schafler Residence in Manhattan and works at Walgreens. Elise developed her love for photography while traveling to many places around the world. She especially likes photographing flowers, boats, houses, city streets and other scenes that capture her imagination. When she is not taking photos, Elise enjoys crafts and needlework and has very fond memories of engaging in these activities with her late mother, who was also a gifted artist.
Elise Kellman A Little Love Photograph 10” x 8”
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“It makes me feel proud of myself that I can do good work. When others tell me that they like my photos, it makes me feel appreciated.” –Elise
Daniel Lindenberg
Daniel Lindenberg joined the art studio after seeing a Gallery YAI exhibit at our annual International Conference. “I like working with my hands” says Daniel, who retired recently and enjoys spending his time painting and drawing. It gives him a sense of accomplishment and it makes him feel good when people appreciate and admire his work.
Daniel Lindenberg Rain Drop Reflections Watercolors on Paper 10.75” x 9”
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“I wish that the Art Gallery grows more and more and we have more teachers to give attention to us. I am planning to come back to do more work and I am excited about starting ceramics.” –Daniel
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Jerry Lipsky
Jerry Lipsky became involved with the YAI Network in 1979. His love of photography began in 1991, after taking a class offered by YAI’s Alumni Club. Since then, he has become passionate about capturing his vision of the world around him through his photographs. Jerry, who uses a Kodak digital camera, enjoys photographing objects or scenes with interesting colors and enjoys earning money by frequently photographing special events for his friends.
Jerry Lipsky Sky is the Limit Photograph 10” x 8” “I like to take pictures with lots of colors and unique points of interest–this is
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Melanie Alexis Martin
Melanie learned to draw at a young age with the encouragement of her late father. For Melanie, art is a fun and creative way to express herself and to generate positive energy, and she has received awards for her work. She typically uses crayons, paints and markers, and recently embarked on what she defines as “a big challenge” to work with oil pastels. Melanie attends ANIBIC’s Day Habilitation program in Bayside, New York and enjoys taking classes at YAI.
“I hope my art projects will inspire many others to use their own imaginations by following their hearts, amid using crayons, oil pastels, paints and markers.”
–Melanie
Melanie Alexis Martin Sassy But Classy Oil Pastels on Paper 9” x 12”
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Alicia Melendez
Alicia is a talented photographer who considers herself a beginner after attending just one class. Her primary interest is fashion photography, but she also takes great joy in capturing images of things that surround her in every day life. She says that often her photographs reflect her emotions. Alicia received her first camera last summer and documented her entire trip to summer camp. She lives in Brooklyn with her mother.
Alicia Melendez The Cow Photograph 10” x 8” “I like taking photos because it gives me a chance to tell a story with pictures
instead of using words. Whoever looks at my pictures can also enjoy them.”
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Ismael Nunez
Ismael Nunez is a storyteller who uses both photographs and words. He is proud of his Latin American culture, and Latin history, poetry, famous personalities and Salsa dancing inspire his work. He enjoys capturing images of Latin parades, festivals and other events throughout New York City and often shares them with the community on sites such as www.aleida.net. A journalist and self-advocate, Ismael lives in Harlem with his mother.
Ismael Nunez Papo y Sery Photograph 10” x 8”
“I like to promote the positive. The joy of taking pictures showing the positive of both people with disabilities and Latin Americans, which is what I do, shows us caring about each other and looking out for each other.” –Ismael
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Jennifer Ramirez
Jennifer Ramirez has been creating art for as long as she can remember. A self-taught artist, most of her work incorporates realism or semi-cartoon realism in acrylics and oils. Painting is a way for Jennifer to relax and gives her the opportunity to express feelings she can’t always put into words. Art allows her to connect with people.
Jennifer Ramirez Flushing Meadows Acrylic on Canvas 13” x 11” “For me, painting or drawing is not so much about the subject matter, but rather
Rosita Ramos
Rosita Ramos’ parents accidentally discovered her artistic talent in 1987, when she was just 9-years-old. She completed a two-year online art program from the Art Instructional School in Minneapolis in 2006. Her keen interest in nature, history, cartoon books, and video gaming inspires her to create a world of her own, filled with mystical creatures and super heroes set in magical environments. A prolific artist, she enjoys creating her own comic books, drawings, and paintings.
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“I cannot help but draw. It is something in my blood that makes me draw. It allows me to go beyond my imagination and fills my day with excitement.”
–Rosita
Rosita Ramos Tiger Dreams Acrylic on Canvas 16” x 12”
Amy Rosenfeld
Amy Rosenfeld has been interested in art since childhood, when she visited the Museum of Modern Art and was drawn to the work of Mondrian and Jackson Pollock. She began painting at age 9 and has trained at the Art Students League for fourteen years. From her early stages as an artist, Amy has created abstract art. She began painting people two years ago in what she describes as her “own abstract/quirky way.” She enjoys the tactile, creative part of painting and recently took a mixed media class to explore using a variety of materials. Amy is inspired by the sights, sounds and world around her. For Amy, creating art is a release and a platform for building social relationships.
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“Art has always been a passion of mine. Though my artwork is not in a museum yet, I take pleasure that each year, it is exhibited through various galleries because slowly, my art is getting known. Happy viewing!” –Amy
Amy Rosenfeld Hills of San Francisco Mixed Media on Canvas 16” x 20”
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Michelle Wensmann
Michelle Wensmann’s favorite subject in school was always art. She pursued it on her own after graduating. She began attending classes at the art studio with her friends and developed a portfolio before joining Gallery YAI. She takes great pride in exhibiting her work. Michelle draws inspiration from her foster brother, who is an artist, and enjoys attending class with other artists.
Michelle Wensmann Colour Breakthrough Marker & Ink on Paper 9” x 12”
“It is a lot of effort to create art. But at the end I feel proud about what I made. It’s relaxing and keeps me motivated.” –Michelle
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YAI Executive Team
Matthew Sturiale, L.C.S.W.Chief Executive Officer
Sanjay Dutt
Chief Financial Officer
Roberta G. Koenigsberg, J.D.
Chief Compliance Officer
Marco Damiani, M.A.
Executive Vice President, Innovation & Services
Paul Smoller, M.A.
Executive Vice President, Talent Development & Services
YAI ARTS
Seema Moondra, M.A.
Coordinator
Gallery YAI Advisory Committee
Chana BenjaminExhibition Advisor, New Century Artists
Barbara Cuthel
Artist
Roberta Kravette
Director, ERD Consulting, Inc.
ArtBook
Kaitland O’Bryan Kubat
Graphic Design, Designko
Emily Holl
YAI is a network of agencies working together to offer people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive range of services across the life span. YAI’s highly regarded programs and services support thousands of individuals every day. Our mission is to help others achieve the fullest life possible by creating new opportunities for living, loving and working. For more information visit yai.org, yai.org/espanol or call 1.866.2YAI.LINK
YAI ARTS celebrates the artistic aptitudes of all individuals and recognizes their exceptional skills as a path to independence. The universal language of art opens up a world of opportunities for the creator and the viewer, the individual and the community, encouraging us all to understand and appreciate abilities in a new light. For more information, please visit: yai.org/arts
Gallery YAI
Gallery YAI offers artists the opportunity to develop new skills, and share their visions with the community.
Programs include: Art Studio Photography Studio Ceramics Studio A Day with an Artist Gallery Walls - Bringing Artwork to Corporate Spaces
Donate to YAI ARTS Today!
Gallery YAI is supported by private donations, grants and proceeds from the sale of artwork. Artists receive 60% of the profits. To support a YAI ARTS program or help develop a new initiative, please contact: Seema Moondra, YAI ARTS Coordinator
