Christie's presents the second in a series of online exhibitions of artwork created by children participating in Studio in a School's New York City Schools Program, which engages students in kindergarten through XNUMXth grade in public schools and community centers early childhood education in all five districts. Opening August 20, the online exhibition Pictures of Us: Portraits by the Children of New York City features thirty portraits in drawing, collage, paint and printmaking and celebrates the diverse communities that enrich New York City life. At the same time these artworks bring to the fore the specific qualities that make each of us unique, distinctive and unique.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, which has reduced opportunities to visit physical exhibits, Christie's has partnered with Studio NYC to amplify the inspiring work of its students. Right now – as our communities are calling for justice and racial equity as they grapple with a global pandemic – the optimism, positivity and joy reflected in these images are even more resonant. Christie's is honored to host this virtual exhibition to showcase the students' masterpieces, as well as provide a wider audience to appreciate their achievements.
Alison Scott-Williams, President, Studio in a School NYC, comments, “The portraits in this exhibit provide a powerful lens into the lives of our students. Shades of emotion, from pathos to joy, are reminiscent of their sensitivity and brilliance. The resulting images, through the elements of shape, line and color, tell us more than a photo ever could. Together, these works form a collective portrait of promise for the next generation."
Dr. Vivian Pan, Chair of the Board of Studio in a School NYC, notes, “It is a moving experience to witness the expressive outpouring that radiates from these works of art. The beautiful faces we see in these portraits exemplify the rich diversity of New York City and powerfully demonstrate that a love of art is a universally shared value. As a proud alumna of this city's public schools, it brings me joy to know that Studio in a School allows countless children to experience the power of artistic creation as part of their school experience.”
Footnotes
In 1977, when drastic budget cuts virtually eliminated the arts from New York public schools, philanthropist Agnes Gund conceived a plan to restore visual arts instruction by bringing in professional artists to teach in public schools. In Ms. Gund's words, “When we started Studio in a School, we wanted to help children and we also wanted to help artists. It was during the fiscal crisis in the late 70s and artists needed help too. We started with three public schools and Studio in a School was born.” From art classes in three public schools that first year, Studio has grown to engage more than one million students through partnerships with nearly 1.000 public schools, community-based organizations, and cultural institutions nationwide.
For more than forty years, Studio has been a vital presence in New York City public schools, bringing the rigor and joy of visual arts instruction to students across the city, providing meaningful work experiences in the arts and of culture to teenagers and college students and offering professional development in visual arts education for classroom teachers. In recent years, Studio has successfully introduced its program models to cities across the United States while maintaining its presence in all five boroughs of the city.
Recognized multiple times for its work, Studio was honored with the New York State Governor's Award by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1988. Most recently, Studio received the 2017 Arts Education Award, one of the National Arts Awards bestowed by Americans for the Arts, as well as the Council on Foundations' inaugural Chapman Award in October 2018.
