The Art of Amistad
By Adrian Cabreja
On Sat., May 10th, the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) will host the First Annual Students Spring Art Show of the Amistad Dual Language School.
The show will feature art work from students in kindergarten through the eighth grade, and all the art will be available for purchase.
“We are really happy that we are part of this very important fundraising event,” said Sandra García-Betancourt, NoMAA Executive Director. “I am excited that we are connecting with the uptown community on another level.”
“Events like this are crucial for the development of art education.”
All of the proceeds will go towards Amistad’s art program, and will help the school purchase art supplies for next year.
“That was a big motivator for me,” explained Amistad art teacher Rachelle Street, who also served as the show’s curator. “There wasn’t much money for the arts this year, so I had to use whatever I had left over from last year.”
Street developed the idea after she noticed how successful student-focused art shows could be.
“Amistad shares a building with another school, Muscota, that has an annual spring exhibition of student work,” said Street. “I think our parents didn’t want to be left out of the fun.”
Street says she knew pulling off an exhibit would be work – but she was up for the challenge.
“Even though the idea of organizing such a large event was daunting, I knew that Muscota’s art show was successful enough for them to take special art field trips, etc.,” she said. “Maybe as Amistad’s show grows, we too might be able to earn enough money for trips.”
Framed works will range from $10 to $20, while unframed works will cost from $5 to $10.
Also for sale are postcards that feature the artwork of kindergarten and seventh grade students. A pack of ten cards will go on sale for $20.
The show will feature over 400 students, and the work varies in media and themes.
For example, kindergarteners will showcase their collages built around the seasons of the year, and watercolor works based on Edward Hicks’ painting Peaceable Kingdom will be presented by third graders.
Selected art majors will display negative/positive linoleum cut prints.
For most of these young artists, it will be their first time in an art show.
“I think the older students are a little nervous, but a good nervous,” said Street. “The younger students don’t really understand it, but the ones between, say 2nd and 5th grades, are very excited.”
“Everyone is excited about generating money for new art materials for next year.”
Admission to this event is free.
The reception will take place on Sat., May 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the NoMAA Gallery, located at 178 Bennett Avenue.
