The Queens Museum of Art (QMA) held an opening reception on Thursday, February 10, for the exhibition “Queens: Multiple Visions,” which demonstrates the various sides in the production of art between Queens art teachers and their students while exploring the connection in their artistic techniques, mediums, and subject matter.
“We wanted to see how all their pedagogical practices transferred from their artwork down to their students,” said Lindsay Smilow, QMA associate coordinator. “They should be proud they are from Queens, a borough that is full of diversity.”
“The idea is to bring together children, families, and teachers to celebrate Queens, as we partner with the Queens Museum of Art,” said Francine Peterman, Dean of Education at Queens College. “Most importantly is that the parents, families, and children get to leave feeling sure about themselves as artists and as a member of a bigger community.”
Smilow added, “Artistry just doesn’t have an age.”
Formation of the exhibit was a collaborated effort by Queens College and the QMA.
“As these are tough times, they have put their all in their efforts – teachers and faculties,” said James Muyskens, Queens College president. “I am thrilled at how it’s come to full fruition and especially music, art, and dance.”
The exhibit featured artworks of students and teachers from I.S. 61, P.S./I.S. 268, High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety, J.H.S. 185, P.S. 721, Queens Preparatory Academy, Newcomers High School, Queens School of Inquiry, P.S. 330, P.S. 107, I.S. 145, The Summit School, Newtown High School, M.S. 158, 51st Avenue Academy, P.S. 51, and P.S. 63.
Of one of her students, Vickie Byron, J.H.S. 185 art teacher, said, “I call Thomas one of the young Picasso’s in the building with the magic pencil.” Thomas Kim, grade seven, responded, “Art is fun.”
“The individuality of the children brings in my creativity and to see them excel helps me excel also,” said Kathleen Izzo, an art teacher at 51st Avenue Academy. “Teaching them inspires my education to go further in my work and refreshes me to be a teacher.”
Students and family members alike attended the opening reception.
“It’s wonderful for artists to showcase their work and it’s nice to see others support,” said Wesley Moncrieffe, a student from Queens Preparatory Academy (QPA).
Dondre Joseph, also a QPA student, added, “It’s a great way to showcase the artist, to support the children, and nurture their artistic merits.”
“To have students in Queens come here, it’s a great opportunity,” said Simone Summers, a QPA teacher for ninth through 12th grades.
Assemblymember Grace Meng, Flushing District 22, said, “Especially when times are tough economically, it is even more important for us, the government, to support the arts and our young future leaders.”
In advising future artists, Charlene Nevers, a ninth grader at the High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety, advised, “Don’t be scared, anything is possible, just put your mind to it and you can do anything.”
The exhibition will run at the QMA through February 27 and can be viewed Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. QMA is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. For more information, visit www.queensmuseum.org or call 718-592-9700.
