Approximately 78 children per week participated in the Museum's fourth annual pop-upart exhibit at Mitchel Houses this summer. ARTSPOT was designed to introduce students to their environment and strengthen their relationship to nature through art. With guidance from Museum teaching artists and educators, and the involvement of their parents, grandparents, and community volunteers, children learned about the Native Americans that once inhabited the Bronx near Pelham Bay and Orchard Beach through the Museum's new Waters On the Go!  exhibit.

 

The Bronx Children’s Museum provided Fine Arts programming in Music, Dance, and Visual Arts for children from Pre-school to 3rd grade from August 12th –September 2nd (four Saturdays) at the Mitchel, J.P. Houses. Each Saturday residents at Mitchel had the opportunity to engage with local Bronx teaching artists and learn about the flora and fauna in their community through Music, Dance, and Visual Arts. Activities included mural painting, drumming, sculpture, ceramics, water play, and building activities.

 

ARTSPOT 2017 is the Museum's fourth outdoor Saturday summer program specifically envisioned for children living in NYCHA Mitchel Houses. The program had the support of Mitchel Houses Tenants' Association and funding from New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. 

 

TESTIMONIES

 

“I think the program is great for the community. My grandson doesn't make friends easy but he loves coming here. I wish they had these activities at an afterschool program because ARTSPOT is really helping him come out of his shell. I appreciate it. I appreciate stopping at all the stations to create something together. I love having this quality time with him.” - Felicia (Grandmother and NYCHA Employee at Mitchel)

 

“The paper Mache is my favorite activity because I get to use glue. I never made a animal using glue and tape but I like sticking on the tissue paper and making it flat.” –Liz

 

“We want to see this program continue here at Mitchel. It’s a good program and it keeps our families entertained. It’s good for the kids to have something to do and to get to know each other. You have been providing what in my opinion is a great service to our community and I want to see this program continue to grow here.” - T.A. President Joe

 

“I'm great at making birds nest. I helped make the wigwam and it was really fun because I got to wrap it in paper. We stretched the paper out and then we had to weave it around the sticks. I remember when we made a house last year, too.” –Ziyah