Look at This! NYC Through the Eyes of Children

January 9 - January 23, 2003

Click on an image for a larger version

Uniqueca Aquino, age 10, Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center
Uniqueca Aquino, age 10, Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center

Ndeye Goubala, age 9, Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center
Ndeye Goubala, age 9, Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center

Freddy Rojas, age 10, J.Hood.Wright Recreation Center
Freddy Rojas, age 10, J.Hood.Wright Recreation Center

Dante Slayton, age 6, Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center
Dante Slayton, age 6, Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center

Destiny Maddox, age 8 Sorrentino Recreation Center
Destiny Maddox, age 8, Sorrentino Recreation Center

The artwork before you was created in several of the Parks Department's 36 recreation centers, where children enjoy a free program of arts, athletics, and academics, weekdays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The works were made on canvas and on computer, of construction paper and fabric. You can see art from Far Rockaway and Harlem. Our studios are computer labs, multi-purpose rooms, and parks. Out of this variety emerges a picture of what New York City children observe and imagine when they look at their worlds.

In New York City, children are compelled to find safe places to learn and play, particularly after school lets out. Parks' afterschool and Computer Resource Center art programs provide a haven and a high quality education to elementary school children at no cost. Afterschool teachers are professional artists who challenge the children to apply concentration, craftsmanship, and precision to their innate creativity.

The process of creating artwork empowers children to share their experiences and visions of the world. For months-and in some cases years-the Parks Department's art teachers have worked to open their student's eyes. Here the students open ours.

Until Thursday, January 23, this exhibit will be on view in the Arsenal Gallery at 830 Fifth Avenue (at 64th Street) on the third floor. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Read about the show in the Daily Plant feature article of 1/9/03.