December Art

Imagine a world in which you or a loved one has something to say, but no means of saying it. Imagine the frustration of having intelligence confined by an inability to communicate in the most basic ways. To be a brilliant soul trapped inside a disabled shell.

This is the life led by both 11-year-old Jordan Matos and Devon Martyniak, age 12. One the victim of a tragic accident at birth, one fortunate enough to escape from a near-drowning after briefly enjoying the beauty of a normal life, both are now severely inhibited by bouts with brain damage. Yet both are able to find release.

Through their participation in the A.R.T. and Soundbeam programs at The Bancroft School at Voorhees Pediatric Facility, both are finding the ability to express themselves, and share their visions of beauty with a world they struggle to be a part of A.R.T. (Artistic Realization Technologies) is an advanced system for helping those with physical challenges put art on a canvas. Soundbeam is a system that helps those same children create music through movement.

December Art offers an in-depth look at their experiences, as well as others, through firsthand footage and interviews with family members, children and staff, including A.R.T. founder Tim Lefens. The documentary follows the struggles and breakthroughs of Jordan, Devon and others, as they use the A.R.T. and Soundbeam programs to unlock their hidden potential and explore a wonderful new world of hope and triumph.

Official Selection of the 5th annual Buffalo Niagara Film Festival
 

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