Noble Maritime Collection and PS 373R present Waves of Inspiration, a public art fence show at 91 Henderson, from June 23 to August 13, 2021
On Wednesday, June 23 at 10 AM, students of PS 373R in New Brighton will unveil an art exhibition called Waves of Inspiration on the fence of their school at 91 Henderson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301.
The fence show is the culmination of this year’s Cultural After-School Adventures (CASA) program with the Noble Maritime Collection museum. It will be on view for the public until August 13.
This CASA program was supported, in part, by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council and District 49 Councilwoman Debi Rose.
The project is based on Staten Island’s active waterway, the Kill Van Kull, and explores life and work along the waterfront. The students of PS 373R studied maritime careers, and created art based on what they learned.
They painted scenes of the waterway using techniques inspired by Monet and Van Gogh, and designed portraits of themselves dressed as maritime workers in the styles of Kahlo, Picasso, and Warhol. The project interprets the industrial culture of Staten Island’s North Shore through the expressions of pop art, impressionism, and cubism. The art lessons were led by artist Mona Oman, and culminated in a fence show exhibition for the community to enjoy.
Ms. Oman states, “Seeing the beautiful work done by the students of PS 373 has brought so much joy to me, as I know it will also bring to passersby. It was such a pleasure to work in collaboration with the Noble Maritime Collection on this CASA project. Bringing out the creative side of children is such a valuable thing, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to facilitate that for them.”
Special education students from PS 373R’s main site at Henderson Avenue, as well as from its two North Shore satellite locations at IS 61 and Petrides contributed art to the fence show.
The art was copied and printed on waterproof banners that will be displayed on the school’s fence for the summer. The school’s Arts Education Liaison Elena Seminara said, “I am happy to have our student artwork unveiled, not only for our school family, but for all our community to see. Working on this project with the schools’ art teachers Courtney Garofalo and Kirsten Rorke, in collaboration with our longtime art partner the Noble Maritime Collection, made the idea of having a fence show become reality, through the miracles of technology and virtual instruction.”
The museum’s Director of Programs Dawn Daniels says, “Our past CASA projects have mostly been interior murals that are viewable only for those who attend and visit the school. This year’s project is unique because the fence show is a bright and cheerful sight that is accessible to the whole neighborhood. Anyone walking or driving by can stop and enjoy this colorful display of waterfront culture, as seen through the eyes of students. We are grateful to Councilwoman Debi Rose and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs for making these great projects and partnerships happen.”
