HILLSDALE—The borough is gearing up for a celebration of creativity and inclusivity with the upcoming Fourth Annual Access for All Art Show, “Spring Is In the Air,” dedicated to showcasing the ranging talents of artists with disabilities.
Access For All is a mayoral advisory group—Hillsdale residents and representatives from the Borough Council and departments, ensuring a diverse range of experiences and skills within the group—that reports to the mayor and Borough Council on matters concerning people with disabilities.
The event, in partnership with the Hillsdale Free Public Library, aims to provide a platform for artists to express themselves and share their unique perspectives through art.
- Application deadline: Artists interested in participating in the Access for All Art Show must submit their application forms by Wednesday, April 17. This is an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to showcase their artistic skills and have their work displayed in a public setting.
- Artwork submission: Original artwork can be submitted at the Hillsdale Free Public Library on Thursday, April 18, or Friday, April 19, 4 to 6 p.m.. Artists are encouraged to bring their pieces to the library during these designated times to ensure inclusion in the show.
- Display and exhibition: Selected artwork will be featured at the Hillsdale Free Public Library throughout the month of May. This exhibition not only provides exposure for the artists but also offers the community a chance to appreciate and support their creative endeavors.
- Opening reception: The Access for All Art Show will kick off with an opening reception on Tuesday, May 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hillsdale Free Public Library. This event will serve as a celebration of the artists and their contributions to the local arts scene.
Organizers told Pascack Press following the event’s record-setting 2023 outing, “Our show has grown each year, this year record in submissions and attendance. It was so wonderful to meet and congratulate all of the artists.”
Participants received a certificate and gift. Guests included Hillsdale movers, shakers, and art lovers; Ramsey mayor Michael Popolo, who also is president of Ramsey is for Everyone (RIFE); and Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey’s statewide Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families — a position to which he was appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy in April 2018.
Hillsdale Access for All advocates for individuals with disabilities in the Borough to help assist in gaining better access to services in the community.
Its goal is to enhance their quality of life so that they may participate, to the fullest extent possible, in everyday activities in the community. It identifies programs and opportunities and develop and coordinate educational and social activities within the borough in partnership with the county and other organizations and municipalities.
In addition to advising the borough, it provides information about resources and organize events to promote inclusive activities within the community.
To get in touch with Access For All or to contribute, write accessforall@hillsdalenj.org or find them on Facebook.