Community, Lead Stories

Arc Westchester teams up for new art series

Marla Beth Enowitz, artist and founder of Marla Beth Designs, is pleased to announce a new collaboration with The Arc Westchester bringing fun, engaging art classes to individuals with developmental disabilities.  The ongoing series is open to participants in the nonprofit’s Community Choices program, a dynamic and educational community-based day program for young adults.

“I’m so thrilled to be working with The Arc Westchester on this art series,” Enowitz said. “Our first few sessions have been a huge hit. Students learned techniques for mixing colors and different types of brush strokes.  It was a joy to see their personalities shining through in their rainbow and heart works.”

Keeping in line with COVID-19 health and safety precautions, Enowitz connected with the class remotely through Zoom, with hopes of in-person sessions taking place in the near future.

“Expression and validation through the arts has long been a cornerstone at The Arc Westchester,” said Nancy Patota, executive director of The Arc Westchester Foundation.  “Throughout our 70+ years of service, we have found that, in addition to being a favorite activity, art fosters inclusion and provides an important outlet for the more than 2,000 individuals we support.”

Patota continued, “The Arc Westchester is thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with local artists like Marla, especially during these difficult times.  Regardless of age, ability, or medium of choice—from simple seasonal projects in group settings, personal poetry, our
gallery265 collection—every piece of art has intrinsic and intangible value.”

A Rye Brook momprenuer, Enowitz turned her love of painting from hobby to business once the pandemic hit.  Her designs, described as equal parts whimsical and sophisticated, are often inspired by the imaginative minds of children.  Enowitz’s custom pieces are featured in
some of the most beautiful private homes and businesses in the tri-state including The First Bank of Greenwich and The Spa at The
J House as well as in large-scale public art displays at The Westchester and The Palace Theatre.

To mark the new collaboration, Enowitz is donating 25% of all purchases made in her XO, Marla Bethline to The Arc Westchester when promo code “TheArcWest25” is used.  Visit marlabethdesigns.com to shop available offerings or commission new work. For the latest
news and updates, follow Marla Beth Designs on Instagram (@marlabeth_designs). (Submitted)