A Picture Says A Thousand Words

Alina Robles, 13, at an Art Students League drawing class

Art program growth and increased opportunities continue for Parks Afterschool children and teens through scholarships at the renowned Art Students League of New York. To date, five Parks youth and teens have joined the likes of Norman Rockwell, Jackson Pollack, and Georgia O’Keefe as students at this illustrious art school.

Many were first introduced to the world of fine arts and illustration through Parks’ “Art Week for Young Illustrators” a yearly program for Afterschool children. This program is currently in its 11th year in partnership with the prestigious Society of Illustrators.

Others have participated in Parks’ newer “Summer Illustration Art Academy.” By the end of summer 2012, the program will have reached 300 Parks youth in a continued partnership with the Society of Illustrators and the award of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant combined with private funding. Mary Polemarhakis, Director of Program Development at Central Recreation, linked talented young artists from these art programs with Seeds of the League, the Art Students League’s scholarship program.

Lakisha Davis, 15, from Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center, was the first Parks scholarship recipient. An alumna of Art Week, Lakisha demonstrated promising talent that was noticed by the directors at both the Society of Illustrators and the Art Students League. In the short time she has been taking classes, Lakisha has won an Honorable Mention award at the League’s class show, and is developing an impressive portfolio for college admission.

Lakisha is now joined by Cooper Johnson (16, A.R.R.O.W.), Valentina Rios (12, A.R.R.O.W), Alina Robles (13, Hunts Point), and Savana Rodriguez (12, Hunts Point) in Oldrich Teply’s class, which focuses on painting from life and portraiture. Mr. Teply, an award winning artist who has illustrated for famous clients such as TIME Magazine, Mobil Oil Company, and OMEGA watches, encourages freedom and individuality within each of his students’ works.

Alina Robles, the 2012 Bronx Rising Star, is the first recipient of the Akiko Hoshino Scholarship, in honor of a very talented woman from Japan who was killed in a car accident. The school staff joined Akiko’s mother, who flew in from Japan, in setting up this scholarship. “I was waiting for someone special to award it to. You can see in the picture (above) that Alina is just right,” said Denise Greene, Director of Individual and Planned Giving at the Art Students League. “Art is my life. I hope to attend an art college where I can become an art therapist and work with children,” said Alina who volunteers her time to teach children’s drawing classes at Hunts Point Recreation Center.

Founded in 1875, the Art Students League exemplifies world-wide excellence in artist training. NYC Parks celebrates the outstanding success and continued recognition of these five students.

Written by Elissa Connors
Intern from Binghamton University

IN MEMORY OF JEFFREY BARBIERI

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jeffrey Barbieri. Jeff was a hard working and dedicated Cement Mason at Queens Shops for the past 3 ½ years. Before coming to Parks, Jeff had established himself as an excellent tradesman with more than 10 years of experience.

Jeff was 38 years old and lived with his brother, where he helped raise his 9 year-old niece. He made many friends in the agency and was greatly admired by those who had the opportunity to work with him. Jeff was well known for his collection of vintage cars, which he refurbished with great care. We knew he was coming when we saw the flames on the side of his vintage autos.

Our thoughts are with Jeffrey Barbieri’s family during this difficult time.

Wake
Tuesday, May 22: 2 – 5pm and 7 – 9pm
Mangano Funeral Home
1701 Deer Park
Deer Park, NY
Phone: 631-586-3600

Funeral
Wednesday, May 23 at 10:15am
St. Cyril & Methodius R.C. Church
125 Half Hollow Road
Deer Park, NY 11729

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“Ahhh. A man with a sharp wit.
Someone ought to take it away from him before he cuts himself.”

Peter da Silva

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