Taking a few steps not so far back in time, student artists from Public School 29-The John M. Harrigan School journeyed from fourth and fifth grade back to their toddlerhood to create a group exhibit for Families First, a non-profit family support center in Cobble Hill.
The center, 250 Baltic Street, will display the students’ work to the public during an exhibit party, June 17 from 6-7:30 p.m.
A diverse assortment of drawings, paintings, and mixed media pieces, the show is the product of “Community Arts,” a class at PS 29, 425 Henry Street, led by volunteer teacher and parent, Kathryn Millen. Millen’s goal for the program was for the students to make work that enhanced the space in which it would be displayed. The first class was a visit to Families First to make sketches and notes about the organization, its space, and its programs.
Explains Millen: “At Families First, the students found inspiration in practically everything — the physical area of the space, its toys, books, even the younger children’s art. They instantly got it: This place is a fun, creative, community center. It was the perfect inspiration for their art.”
The resulting work is a fine collection of different methods and masterpieces. Through cars, an electric guitar, bunnies and color abstractions of various forms, the students have earnestly portrayed what they saw and felt at the center.
For Families First Executive Director Beth Winson, that is the best part of the gift. “Watching the students seriously consider our center and its space, and then seeing how they interpreted what we do here was truly, truly rewarding. It is beautiful and honest.”
“Community Arts” is one of several art classes that is part of a “Wednesday Exchange” arts enrichment program at PS 29. Millen is a ceramic artist, a long-time supporter and board member at Families First, and the parent of fifth grade twins at PS 29, one of whom will have work displayed at the show.
