Featuring Artwork from Babies to Big Kids
At The Child Center of NY, we are constantly inspired by the creativity of the children in the communities we serve. That’s why we decided to mark the agency’s 65th anniversary year with a campaign to celebrate the artwork of students in our youth development and early childhood education programs.
We kicked off the campaign with a calendar contest in which children submitted artwork in a variety of media on a simple theme: the months of the year. Students created work based on a calendar month as inspiration. A selection committee made decisions based on such factors as colors, theme, and diversity of texture. The project culminated in the production of a 2018 calendar, which features one winning entry per month and all submissions on the back. Supporters received a beautiful hard copy calendar in the mail as a token of gratitude for their invaluable role in ensuring The Child Center can continue to serve all those children and families who look to the agency to help them build healthy, successful lives.
The feedback has been heartening, with supporters reaching out to us to share how meaningful the calendar was to them, and how they expected it to be cute but found it to be absolutely breathtaking.
“The calendar came in the mail today. I just have to say — wow. It’s absolutely amazing. I love the presentation of the pieces museum-style, and the pieces that were selected were incredible — there’s something indescribable about them. Got a little teary eyed,” said calendar recipient Stacy McKelvey.
“When I look at artwork created by young people, I see hope, joy, and a unique and honest sense of humor without cynicism,” said Vice President of Communications Eugénie Bisulco, who spearheaded the calendar contest. “We often hear the cliché ‘through the eyes of a child.’ Simply stated, that perspective is rarely captured again later in life. I feel very fortunate that at The Child Center of NY, we get to take a look through those eyes daily and benefit, learn from our time with them as they benefit and learn from us.”
Young people of all ages (starting with infants!) participated, some with family members, which made the experience even more meaningful.
“Creating artwork is not only fun; it also fosters creativity while supporting social-emotional development,” said Tanya Krien, Director of Early Head Start. “Young children learn best by utilizing their senses, and art provides this opportunity. Furthermore, expanding the experience to include a caregiver promotes healthy attachments with a memory to keep forever.”
The children enjoyed the opportunity to create works of art based on something they loved about the seasons. “I like snow. I love to look at, touch, and feel snow,” Afsheen, a soon-to-be 4-year-old in our Parent-Child Home Program, told us. “That’s why I made a snowman!” Afsheen’s snowman is the feature for December.
Many thanks to the members of the art contest selection committee: Chief Executive Officer Traci Donnelly; Chief Financial Officer Steve Donowitz; Chief Operating Officer Jaime Angarita; Vice President of Youth Development Nicholas Ferreira; Vice President of Early Childhood and Prevention Linda Rodriguez; Development Associate Gaby Infante; and Vice President of Communications Eugénie Bisulco.
