Eclectic performances and inspiring art from AHRC NYC programs, community partners, and staff members wowed attendees at the Inside/Outside Exhibit at the Queens Museum on Friday, August 11th. The showcase, which is in its second year, carries an anti-bullying theme and includes additional contributions from New York City public school students.
Kate Branagh, Art Consultant, started the opening ceremony by performing an original song called “Migration” and a powerful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Katori Walker, a children’s illustrator and spoken word artist who recently was the subject of the first-ever life drawing event at ArTech at Howie Stone Day Services, emphatically recited two Maya Angelou poems: “Phenomenal Woman” and “Still I Rise.”
Musician Jonathan Negron from Joseph T. Weingold Day Services played his original composition “Story of December,” manning the keyboards while accompanied on acoustic guitar by Jasper Lewis, Art Consultant. Jasper then played a solo song that had lyrics written by poet Daniel Marrero at Walter and Evelyn Redfield Day Services.
Another poet, Daphne Desinor from the Weingold Center, recited a selection from her anthology The Spirit of Summer. Charles Umaña, Technology Deployment Specialist /Trainer, Individual Technology Strategy, played his sing-along original “Untitled (When I See You).”
Finally, the AHRC NYC’s Our Broadway entertained the crowd with a smorgasbord of songs ranging from theater classics to ‘70s disco. Audience members were invited up on stage to dance during the final number.
Master of Ceremonies Seth Krakauer, Employee Development Manager, then introduced Mario Asaro, Vice President of the New York City Art Teachers Association/United Federation of Teachers. Mr. Asaro handed out certificates of recognition to the visual artists who contributed to the Inside/Outside exhibit.
Among the recognized artists were Arthur Fairchild, Michael Vias, Simon Nzuzi, Kenneth Sher, John Lamantia, Elvin Flores, Nicholas Acquista, and Jonathan Negron. Staff members who were similarly commended included Community Support Professionals Jehan-Shea Murray and Long Giang from Cyril Weinberg Day Services.
Organizations that made this event possible include ArtAccess, NYCATA/UFT, COPE NYC, and the Queens Museum.
