HILLSDALE, N.J.— The Hillsdale Free Public Library brimmed with color, creativity, and community spirit the evening of Thursday, May 1 as the Hillsdale Access for All Committee hosted its fifth annual art show, a celebration of artistic expression by individuals with disabilities. This year’s theme — “What Does It Mean to Be Included?” — inspired deeply personal works and meaningful conversations around belonging, voice, and visibility.
Approximately two dozen gathered to admire acrylics, mixed media, watercolors, sculpture, and collaborative pieces submitted by artists from Hillsdale and nearby communities. Each work reflected a unique perspective—some playful, some poignant—all affirming the power of inclusion through art.
Artists chose as their subjects quiet personal moments, shared experiences, our natural world by birthright, and calls to action: We Rise by Lifting Others.
“This event is about showing what you all can do,” said Ron Miller, committee chair, in opening remarks. “It’s not just about the art—it’s about the voice it gives, the connection it makes.”
The evening acknowledged the absence of longtime art show chairperson Ruta Fiorino, an accomplished mixed media artist who lives with a prosthetic right leg. Fiorino, who typically installs the exhibit and designs the event brochure, was recently injured during a skiing trip in Utah and is recovering. (Her piece Snowbirdstood in for her, suggesting happier times on the slopes.)
Committee member Gia Schneider said “Ruta was involved even from afar, and we’re so grateful to the whole committee for pulling this together in her honor.”
The Hillsdale Access for All Committee includes residents, advocates, and professionals who represent both the Hillsdale community and regional support networks. Among them are Yana Mermel, vice-chair and a representative of the Family Support Organization of Bergen County, which provides peer-led services to families of children with behavioral health needs, and Sanny Yoon, secretary and a representative of Bergen’s Promise, a care management organization supporting youth with complex challenges.
Schneider introduced the evening’s artists, celebrating both returning and new contributors. Avery K., 16, presented two emotionally rich pieces titled Feeling Included and Being Left Out, using expressive characters to explore the show’s theme. Eric O., a 21-year-old artist and aspiring animator from River Edge, earned praise for his vibrant animal portraits, including a lion, a macaw, and a Cape Cod landscape. “Whenever we introduce Eric, someone always says, ‘Oh, wow,’” Schneider said. “Because it is Eric.”
Newcomers Nora Cleary and Annie Fan made strong impressions with vivid acrylics—Cleary’s Cloudy Rainbow and Untitled, and Fan’s Peacock and Toucan in marker, and playful monkeys. Fan, who also creates origami and traditional Chinese artwork, “loves creating—that’s when she’s happiest,” Schneider said.
Collaborative pieces from Spectrum for Living, the Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative’s Friendship Circle, and the Arts Access Program at Matheny complemented the depth provided by individual entrants. The Friendship Circle was praised for its inclusive programs and its recent library art day with Access for All. A standout, Puzzle Pieces, was submitted by Spectrum for Living.
The show also featured sculptural garden stakes by Jennifer Romanoff, a former special education teacher and Access for All committee member. Created from reused glass beads, her pieces “sparkle with personality and sustainability,” Schneider noted.
Michael Popolo worked wonders reflecting the majesty and quieter moments of the natural world.
For the full list of artists and pictures of their work see Hilldale Access For All on Facebook. And, gloriously, the exhibit runs all month, so do make the trip.
As each artist was introduced, they were invited to the front to receive a certificate and a framed display box—a token of appreciation and a way to showcase their work beyond the show. “Some of these pieces are ready for gallery walls,” one organizer said.
Organizers also shared the success of the committee’s inclusive art workshop series, co-hosted with the library and led by local artists such as Susie Geraci of DreamWorks Studio. The workshops brought people with and without disabilities together for shared creativity and conversation. “We want to keep offering these opportunities,” the committee said, inviting the public to suggest future programming.
The evening concluded with a warm invitation to enjoy refreshments, mingle, and celebrate the artists and their work. “Thank you again for participating and joining us tonight,” Miller said. “And please, help yourself to the food!”
Afterward, Schneider told Pascack Press, “This year’s art show came together with a lot of anticipation. We began five years ago in the height of the pandemic. Many of our participants have been with us since then and look forward to having their talent and artwork represented each year.”
She said, “We’re lucky to receive such great support from our community and participants. They are committed to the show’s success. This year we had submissions from as far as Somerset County, which tells us there is a need to showcase the art of people with disabilities.”
She added “We intend to continue to grow the show as we look ahead to its sixth year. The committee takes great pride in serving this community and looks forward to another successful, creative, and unique art exhibit each year.
The Access for All Committee advises the mayor and council and works to ensure individuals with disabilities can participate fully in community life.
