The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation launches Art for Heart this weekend, a communal art program for children who lost a parent in the February 26, 1993 or September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The program offers the children an opportunity to paint their artistic expressions on canvas, and participate in an emotionally healing process. Art for Heart was conceived by Ali Millard who lost her stepfather Neil Levin on September 11, 2001. The program is coordinated by the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan.
On Sunday, June 1, 2003, community centers in Manhattan, New Jersey and Long Island will open their doors from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to the victims' children and families. Art professionals will supervise and assist the children as they work using acrylic paints to design one square foot of canvas. On Thursday, September 11, 2003, the community centers will again host the special gathering for children and families to complete their individual works. The LMDC's Family Room, located adjacent to the World Trade Center site, will also host Art for Heart on September 11, 2003.
The squares of the canvas that are completed this Sunday will be sewn together and brought for display to the troops in the Middle East. The quilt will be presented in early summer by three September 11, 2001 family members as part of a United Service Organizations delegation. After the second Art for Heart gathering on September 11, 2003, all of the artwork created during the program will be stitched together into one large quilt-like piece. The artwork will then be made available for display at schools, art centers and museums nationwide.
Kevin M. Rampe, LMDC Interim President, said, "We hope that this experience will give those children who have lost a parent in these horrific attacks a chance to come together with their community in a safe and supportive environment. The Art for Heart program will give children and families a positive opportunity to personally contribute to a lasting memorial to their loved ones."
Robert Gilson, Director of the 92nd Street Y School of the Arts, said, "Both the 92nd Street Y and our partner Jewish community centers -- the Sid Jacobson JCC in Long Island and the Metro West JCC in New Jersey -- which are also opening up their doors to these young people, are proud to participate in Art for Heart. We have no doubt that it will be an important means of helping the youngest victims of 9/11 continue the healing process."
Ali Millard, the creator of Art for Heart, said, "I strongly believe that art can help to heal the soul. Not only will this project serve as an opportunity for the children to express and enjoy themselves, but also to come together with other children, just like them, and to confront their feelings in a safe and supportive environment."
Program locations listed below include the 92nd Street Y, the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center in Long Island and the Jewish Community Center MetroWest in New Jersey. Supplies and treats will be contributed by Toys 'R' Us and Krispy Kreme.
Program Locations:
Manhattan
The 92nd Street Y
Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128
To RSVP for this location and for directions please contact:
Cybele Dreskin
212-415-5749
On September 11, 2003 only:
LMDC Family Room
One Liberty Plaza, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10006
To RSVP for this location and for directions please contact:
Kate Millea
212-587-9644
Long Island
Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center
300 Forest Drive
East Hills, New York 11548
http://www.sjjcc.org
To RSVP for this location and for directions please contact:
Patricia Manning
516-484-1545
New Jersey
JCC MetroWest
760 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, N.J. 07052
To RSVP for this location please contact:
Ron Law, Manager of Education and Community Programs
Center for the Arts
973-736-3200 ext. 320
For directions, please call:
973-736-3200
