Congressman Joseph Kennedy III visits Gateway Arts

Gateway artists and staff pose with Congressman Kennedy. 

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III, on Thursday September 4, took time out of his busy schedule to tour Vinfen’s Gateway Arts in Brookline Village. Kennedy, along with District Director Nick Clemons, had a chance to see Gateway’s studio spaces and their current exhibit, Gateway Local. The new exhibit is inspired by uniquely New England locales and allows Gateway artists to depict familiar landscapes, architecture, landmarks, and people endemic to this historic region. Kennedy, a Brookline native, admired the many familiar sights recreated by the Gateway artists.

"Gateway Arts was thrilled to welcome Congressman Kennedy and District Director Clemons to our art studio," said Vinfen President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bird.  "Visits like these mean so much to our artists who loved being able to show off their work."

Congressman Kennedy with artist Ruby Pearl and her painting. 

Also joining Congressman Kennedy on his tour were Gateway artists Ruby Pearl and Jane Tarlow. They were able to speak with Kennedy and tell the Congressman about their works. Jane showed off her painting of Revere Beach, which greatly impressed Congressman Kennedy because of its striking detail. Kennedy then took the time to look over Ruby’s painting of the late President John F. Kennedy embracing daughter Caroline. The congressman was touched not only by Ruby’s painting but also her story of overcoming homelessness and finding support and a career in fine art at Gateway.

Congressman Kennedy and Jane Tarlow in front of her painting. 

Jane and Ruby then accompanied Congressman Kennedy through Studio A, which is funded in part by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the philanthropy of individual donors and grant opportunities through foundations. While in the studio, Kennedy took the time to look through the artists’ finished work and once again noted how impressed he was by their talent.

Congressman Kennedy and Gateway Arts Director Rae Edelson discuss the work in the gallery exhibit.

Overseeing the tour that highlighted many of Gateway’s successes over the course of its 41 years were Gateway Arts Director Rae Edelson and Vinfen President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bird.  Edelson commented “We are pleased to connect with our innovative Congressman Joe Kennedy and continue our tradition of support with the Kennedy family. “ Gateway Arts has a long standing relationship with the Kennedy family with support from Ted Kennedy, Eunice Shriver and Jean Kennedy.  Additional staff members were on hand to answer any questions and to provide insight into all facets of Gateway Arts.

Congressman Kennedy viewing work by Studio A artists. 

Gateway Arts is dedicated to providing individualized art-based services to adults with disabilities that will enable them to create meaningful lives and careers in art.  Located in Brookline Village, Gateway Arts serves over 100 talented adults in the Greater Boston area through its Arts Programming, store and gallery.  Gateway artists receive opportunities for local, national, and international recognition and sales.  Artists receive a 50% commission on the sale of their work. Gateway Arts is a service of Vinfen Corporation, New England’s most comprehensive provider of human services to individuals with disabilities.  

Gateway Local will be on display through Saturday, November 8. An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, October 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will feature local food and music with a beer tasting provided by Pretty Things, cupcakes from Party Favors, and live music Tommy Palmer and Ian Gustafson from Babydriver with special guest Matthew Mara.