09/28/2022
Nature Seen – Through Our Lens is the first exhibition of images by photographers from Lifestyles is now on view in Conference House Park’s Rutan-Beckett House. The c. 1848 building was also the site of Lifestyles Foxy Fable Workshops, a writing workshop series filled with imagination.
“When our photographers share their vision, they are communicating without words,” explains Edward Gregory, manager of the Lifestyles Media Center. “The artist and viewer meet on an equal field, and we demystify the stigma of disability as we share our perspective.”
“The collaboration on this project has been wonderful--just like the finished product that so many have seen and heard from our participants!” said Mark Collins, Director of Day Habilitation, Willowbrook Campus. “Outstanding work by everyone involved!”
The images were edited by Anthony DeSimone to include scenes from nature, including insects, flowers, trees and more, as well as where the natural world meets the built environment. Photographers whose work is included in the show are Meredith Arout, Aaron Bialer, Michael Cilmi, Anthony DiCostanzo, Anthony DiFato, Kevin DiStefano, Christopher Lazzaro, Chris Macina, Andrew Moszenberg, Joseph Padalino, Dolores Palermo, Gregory Perosi, and Eric Schwacke.
In the Lifestyles Foxy Fable Workshops, participants in the College, Art and Media Groups of Lifestyles for the Disabled wrote and illustrated fables as a group and individually facilitated by Kathryn Carse with the support of Staten Island Arts. The fables feature a variety of allegorical characters and situations often inspired by their surroundings and environment in Conference House Park.
The fable authors include Meredith Arout, Joseph Bevacqua, Aaron Bialer, Mallory Bjonnes, Ryan Caplan, Jacob Carrillo, Sophia Constantinou, Lisa Crecco, Sara Dalton, Michael Deil, Anthony DiCostanzo, Kevin DiStefano, Geraldina Grimaldi, Michael Halbreich, Jillian Howard, Janiese Hinds, Jessica Hionas, Bao Ling Huang, Matthew Ianelli, Cindy Lopez, Elisa Lopez, Andrew Moszenberg, Joseph Padalino, Mary Pannese, Kathryn Pennacchio, Gregory Perosi, Vito Randazzo, Jennifer Romano, Alan Russo, Dawn Stachurski, and Eva Vega. Lifestyles for the Disabled Staff: Jeniffer Acanfora, Anthony DeSimone, Edward Gregory, Eve LeBer, Louise Vallario, and Henry Wakie.
The Rutan-Beckett House is only open by appointment, and is about a block west of the Conference House at 6 Shore Road, down a hill from the waterside of the Shore Road. Call the Conference House at (718) 984-6046 for appointments or directions.
Thank you to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for hosting our exhibition and program.
The Lifestyles Fable Workshop is made possible by a DCA Premier Grant from Staten Island Arts, with public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
"Nature Seen – Through Our Lens" is the first exhibition of images by photographers from Lifestyles is now on view in Conference House Park’s Rutan-Beckett H...
Life-Wire News Service is a first-of-its-kind service which distributes multi-media features created by people with developmental disabilities. ©2016
