Arts Unbound, a non-profit organization that promotes the work of artists with mental, physical and developmental disabilities and seniors and helps them compete on the retail art market, will open a storefront on Baker Street in Maplewood in September.
The space will feature unique works including a wide variety of hand-made decorative and functional items such as jewelry, textiles, ceramics, as well as fine art and limited edition prints, according to a press release.
The gallery represents over 60 artists with disabilities and senior artists and features a breadth of work that will appeal to both collectors and those seeking a special gift, according to a press release.
“We are so excited to offer the community a complement to our existing gallery in the Valley Arts District in Orange,” shared Arts Unbound board chair Susan Young in the release. “The gallery will continue to mount an average of nine fine art exhibits a year, while the showcase in Maplewood will feature a revolving collection of artwork.”
Arts Unbound founder and long-time South Orange resident Cate Lazen is equally enthusiastic about this extension of the organization she founded fifteen years ago. “I am so proud to be part of this community,” she said.
Visit the new showcase starting late September at 100 Baker Street, the former location of Shed Home. Artists with disabilities and seniors seeking to be included in the showcase should contact Celene Ryan at 973-475-8446.
Previously, Arts Unbound had a pop-up store in Maplewood Village during the holiday season.
“Having Arts Unbound return to Maplewood Village as a permanent retailer is more than exciting, it’s an honor,” said Julie Doran of the Maplewood Village Alliance. “Their new showcase will offer a wonderful complement to our existing retail mix and their mission and work is extraordinary. What’s more, their location on Baker Street will serve them well. There is so much going on at that end of the Village, with The Able Baker’s expansion, the planned golf swing and juice bar and now the Arts Unbound Showcase, it’s going to be fabulous to watch it all happen.”
