Longing for Spring? Get a sneak preview by visiting Sprout: An Exhibition of New York City Children's Art at the Horticultural Society of New York. This beautiful show will display 80 works of art from kindergarten through fifth grade students. Curator Jodie Vincenta Jacobson said the exhibit combines art from 30 pupils at The Allen-Stevenson School and students from HSNY's own Apple Seed program. Apple Seed, a horticultural education program taught in 13 New York City public schools, reaches about 650 students each year. The opening night party, on Tuesday, February 12 from 5 to 7 pm, will offer live music, raffles of prizes like family museum memberships to MoMA and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and will be catered by Whole Foods.
In an effort to get children interested in art, Apple Seed officially included art as part of their curriculum for the first time this year. Jacobson said the results range from extremely resolved pieces of art to just playing around like any kid. The poster was drawn by a very reluctant third grade boy. "At first, he was totally against it. He didn't want to draw flowers," Jacobson said. "And then the made the most incredible drawing." For many of the Apple Seed students, it was their first time making art. For city children, art and nature represent an almost unknown adventure. Because of Apple Seed's program and the resulting exhibit, many of these children now think of themselves as artists. "They get to step out of their ordinary world. These works come out of the realm of the imagination. There's a strong connection that feels extremely genuine," she said. "If you turn a child on to art, it can change their life."--Sherry Mazzocchi
Image: David Goldberg, Botanical Study, 2007, Cray-pas and Sharpie marker on muslin. Courtesy of The Horticultural Society of New York and The Allen Stevenson School 3rd Grade Class
The Horticultural Society of New York
148 West 37th Street 13th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212.757.0915
Exhibit runs from February 13 through March 7, 2008
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