South Orange resident Catherine "Cate" Lazen is the founder of Arts Unbound, a non-profit organization located in Orange, NJ dedicated to the artistic achievements of youth, adults and senior citizens with disabilities. Through professional classes in the visual arts, Arts Unbound is committed to unleashing the artistic expression of persons living with mental, physical and developmental disabilities and providing vocational opportunities for emerging and established artists. The gallery features a variety of arts and crafts created by The Arts Unbound Artists. 

Two of the artists who are presently displaying artwork at the gallery are Stefanie Garwin from West Orange, a Senior Program Director, and Chris Miller. Garwin has created a successful jewelry business selling hand-strung beaded jewelry. She presently has two paintings on display in the gallery.

This is Miller's first show. He is a member of The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities. Miller has been painting since high school and presently has two pieces of art on display.

After visiting the studio with my son DJ, my friend Regina Romanaux and her two sons, Austin and Aiden, Arts Unbound executive director Gail Levinson invited us to come next door and see the artists' studio. There, we saw the workspace the artists use to create their masterpieces.  The boys were fascinated with the holiday cards that were spread out on the table. Levinson related to the boys the stories behind the cards: about the artists who created them and the mediums they used to create the cards. All of the cards come in packs of 20 and retail for $30. This year alone, they have met their goal of selling $7,000 in cards.

Take the time this holiday season to discover this awe-inspiring gallery. You can shop while supporting the efforts of artists with disabilities.

The Arts Unbound gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 12:30-5:00 pm. It is located on 544 Freeman Street, Orange, NJ.  Call 973-675-2787 or you can visit the Arts Unbound website and shop in their online store.