QMA runs ArtAccess hands-on program

One of the educational programs at the Queens Museum of Art is specifically helping individuals with special needs through museum tours, hands on activities and lessons brought to their own locations.
Through ArtAccess, children and adults with special needs are able to come to the museum to see the pieces and then do hands on art activities, integrating art therapy into what they’re learning. The instructors also sometimes go to other locations, such as schools, to work with the individuals.
The Queens Museum of Art has a long history of providing educational services. School and Family Education Coordinator Laura Groskinsky said that the education programs give the museum the opportunity to reach out to the community and offer their resources.
“It’s incredible to see a child flourish and I think particularly when you’re looking at students with special needs they can kind of find a voice and develop some confidence,” she said.
One of the special needs groups that ArtAccess works with are students from Junior High School 190 in Forest Hills. The students recently went to the museum to participate in a two and a half hour workshop.
“We keep them engaged quite a lot,” said ArtAccess Coordinator Donnielle Rome.
The day started with an orientation and introduction. The students were then taken into the gallery to see some of the work and were able to sketch some of the items. Afterwards, they went back to the studio to create their own art pieces.
Rome said that they learn about the students in advance so that they can adapt to them. She also said they work to make everything feel safe and exciting for the children.
“Our goal has always been to increase self-esteem and pride,” Rome said.
Marcus Smith, a 14-year-old student from P.S. 190, participated in ArtAccess last year and will be doing so again this year. He said that one of his favorite projects was being able to make a space station.
By being in the program, Smith said that he is able to get more ideas and that it makes him feel like he can do art too and possibly have one of his own pieces in the museum someday.
David Mendoza, 13, also is returning to the program this year and said that he was excited to come back to the Queens Museum of Art. He said he likes to draw every day and even won first place in a drawing contest.
Mendoza said that by being in ArtAccess he is able to get more practice and is also learning how to draw better.
Eighth grade special education science teacher Rose DeStefano said that the students who came last year were looking forward to returning and see their instructors again. An October 22 trip to the museum marked the first time that she had been there with her students.
“It’s a great program,” DeStefano said. “It’s great hands on activities for the students. The museum has a lot to offer.”
ArtAccess Educator Michelle Lopez said that students are very excited to come to the museum. She also said that when she and Rome go to the schools, they can tell the children have carried over what they’ve learned.
Lopez also said that it is exciting to be able to let teacher’s see their students in a new light and find out new things about them.
The Queens Museum of Art is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. For more information about its educational programs, visit www.queensmuseum.org or call 718-592-9700.