Artistic Realization Technologies

I read about this in the Hometown Hero, published in American Profile. It is such an incredible story it gave me goose bumps!

Tim Lefens visited a residential rehabilitation center 16 years ago in New Jersey. The purpose of the visit was to show his art to the residents. What happened changed his life and the lives of many of the residents.

These residents have limited control over their limbs, but upon seeing the excitement in their eyes, Tim was determined to teach them how to paint.

Out of this visit and Tim's determination, Artistic Realization Technologies was born. This non-profit organization now has more than 20 programs in the US and provides instruction and assistance to artists with severe disabilities so they can create paintings, sculptures, photography and music. Part of the initial funding was provided by artist Roy Lichtenstein.

The artists have an assistant, called a tracker, who actually applies the paint to canvas, directed by the artist who wears a headband with a laser. The artist directs the laser on the canvas and the tracker then applies the paint. The artist also indicates the colors to be used, the type and amount of texture and the size and shape of brush.

These artists have the vision and with A.R.T.'s help they have the ability to bring the vision to fruition. Tim compares their experience to those of an architect who comes up with the design and then directs the builder so the end result meets the architect's vision.

Many of these artists exhibit in major galleries and sell their works--the former Governor of NJ Christine Whitman has purchased a piece by one of the ART artists.

A.R.T. has been featured on the news and is partnered with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Tim has written a book, Flying Colors, about creating A.R.T. Go to the A.R.T. website and check out the work.