- Our Kids’ Biz -
A semi-monthly briefing featuring Fort Greene’s finest youth programs
By Josh Beauregard
From clubs, sports, and activities to school- and organization-based programs, this bimonthly briefing highlights local programs serving Fort Greene’s youth in positive and meaningful ways. In this edition, we feature the Brooklyn Museum’s Gallery/Studio Program
-Above is the artwork of various local teenagers participating in the Brooklyn Museum’s Gallery/Studio Program studio art courses this summer. This work was inspired by Brooklyn-born artist and photographer, Lorna Simpson.
The Brooklyn Museum’s Gallery/Studio Program (GSP) offers a host of courses to students ages six to adults in the summer, fall, and spring. Courses range in topic including classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and mixed media among others. In all, the program serves approximately 600 students who enroll in various courses annually.
Maya Valladares, GSP’s coordinator, describes the program as having two main goals: “First, to provide students with a solid studio education – to develop their skills in drawing, sculpture, etc. Second, to promote among students the feeling that the museum is their space where as future artists, professionals, and community members, they feel both inspired and at home through their connection with the Museum.”
The GSP will offer a total of ten courses to students from 6-17 years of age this fall. The courses take place on Saturdays or Sundays and vary widely in topic. “Hero Meets the World,” for example, which draws inspiration largely from contemporary art and comic books, gives students ages 10-12 an opportunity to create a character, develop a plot, imagine a world, and draw, paint, and print to produce an original artist’s book. “Art for the People,” a course offered to students ages 15-17, allows to students to experiment with paper, printmaking, and multimedia and learn how to make art that viewers may interact with and literally help in creating. For the full schedule of fall classes, registration information, and scholarship applications, visit: http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/education/gallery-studio/gallery-studio.php
In addition to courses, there are other opportunities for students to participate in the Museum’s GSP program. GSP’s work-study program offers students ages 14-18 an opportunity to both assist and learn under Museum instructors working with younger students. Note that the deadline for applying for the work-study program is September 7th so interested students should apply soon! Here’s the link: http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/education/teens/gallery-studio-work-study.php
The Museum’s Teen Night Open House, scheduled for early January, is another opportunity to become involved. The event is planned by teens (often those participating in the work-study) for teens and other members of the community. Past events have offered hands-on art-making activities, open-mic sessions, and gallery tours.
For the most recent GSP news and a behind-the-scenes look at the program, check out “Making At the Brooklyn Museum” on Facebook.
Readers are encouraged to provide leads about promising programs serving youth of the Fort Greene area. All suggestions may be directed to Josh at [email protected]
