Our Mission
Exceptional Artists Foundation empowers artists with disabilities by creating awareness about their talents, fostering independence and enabling new generation of artists to have access to art education, therapy and training programs.
Our Story
Our founders, Kristy Sundjaja and Matthew Makar, grew up with siblings with disabilities and are committed to creating new possibilities for individuals with disabilities to have access to arts and realize their dreams as artists. Both of their brothers, Wesley Sundjaja and Dan Makar, are exceptional artists who are passionate about the arts. Through art therapy programs and support from their communities, Wesley and Dan have been invited to exhibit and auction their arts in world-renowned charity events and art galleries. These opportunities would not have happened without Kristy's and Matt's own hard work and the support from their friends and families. In 2017, they decided to join forces to create Exceptional Artists Foundation to expand their efforts to discover and empower more exceptional artists,.
We are developing programs to transform
disabilities into exceptional arts:
- Arts Fairs and Community Events: Celebrate and raise awareness about the creative talent in the disabled community
- Arts Marketplace: Provide artists with disabilities with access to a marketplace to sell their artworks and market their talent. Proceeds will go to the artists for the cost of the artworks and the foundation to fund future arts programs
- Advocacy and Education Programs: Provide arts education and technology program to artists with disabilities
We'd love for you take part in this extraordinary journey, and help us launch the Exceptional Artists Foundation by making a donation or signing up as a volunteer.
What People Are Saying
“It is an honor and a privilege to recognize the inaugural Summer Art Experience as a constructive art education and therapy program that empowers artists with special needs. The Exceptional Artists Foundation deserves the highest commendation for developing artistic talent among the special needs community and increasing their access to art education. The partnership in this endeavor between the Exceptional Artists Foundation and Camp Anchor is the perfect collaboration for fostering creativity, finding therapeutic outlets and building lifelong friendships.”
“It is an honor to have the Exceptional Artists Foundation here at the town of Hempstead, welcoming so many neighbors from throughout the world from as far as Hong Kong and as close as Lido Beach to visit Camp Anchor,” Councilman D’Esposito said, adding that Hempstead was “a town that has the finest municipal program for the special needs community, and we are happy to play host to this great event. We are happy to build this relationship and put smiles on people’s faces.” Councilman D’Esposito formally welcomed the the Exceptional Artists Foundation and their attendees as the day’s events commenced.”
“The Exceptional Artists Summer Art Experience is an amazing program that provides people with special needs a safe and supportive space for artistic expression. I thank the Exceptional Artists Foundation and Camp Anchor for partnering to put together this program.”
Volunteer With Us
We are looking for volunteers to help us with fundraising and securing art supply donations, reaching out to arts and inclusive organizations to recruit artists, teachers, volunteers and artists with disabilities to participate in our 2018 programs. Sign up via the link below or email us at Volunteer@ExceptionalArtists.Org