CE Latimer Presents Certificate of Merit to The Arc Westchester(April 2, 2018) -- Westchester County Executive George Latimer has transformed the Michaelian Government Building into an art gallery. Mike’s Bridge Gallery, located on the Michaelian Building, is now lined with bright and charismatic prints on loan from The Arc Westchester. County employees are thrilled to have beautiful art fill the gallery, a space that has been left bare for almost a decade. Some pieces, all done by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, include abstract images in bright yellows and deep blues that resemble the ocean. Other pieces show soft visuals of birds and fish that bring a sense of calm to the Gallery.

Latimer presented Executive Director, Ric Sweirat and Volunteer Gallery Manager, Rob Miss of The Arc Westchester with a Certificate of Merit for their work with individuals with disabilities.

Latimer said: “When you try to cluster people who are working through a variety of developmental disabilities, but still functioning in the world and still wanting to express who they are, we have an obligation to showcase that individuality. That is exactly what The Arc Westchester has been doing all these years.”

Sweirat said: “I want to thank the County, in particular County Executive Latimer for allowing us to make this presentation so the community can see how important it is for talent to be exhibited, and the expression of the soul of the artist to be presented.”

Miss said: “Today is Autism Awareness Day. The U.N. voted to do this 11 years ago. One of the things you often hear when someone is speaking about someone with autism, is the spectrum. What you are seeing behind us is the spectrum. These are colorful and joyful artworks by people who are employed. Thanks to Ric, they found many jobs and services in The Arc Westchester, and at night this is what they do.”

The Director of the Office for People with Disabilities, Evan Latainer said, “Thank you for allowing us to partner with this great organization.”

Link to the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdi5PRkjss8&list=PLrMTVVmYWvmvQsUdQQg21P0j3IeuPW4I9