You're Invited To New York School For The Arts Open House November 2, It's A Hidden Gem In Our Backyard Says Roosevelt Island Artist

Roosevelt Island resident Lauren Blankstein reports:

I am writing this post to share with my Roosevelt Island neighbors that there is a hidden gem in our proverbial backyard -- 62nd St. just east of 2nd Ave. -- which very few Islanders seem to know about. The New York School of the Arts (NYSA) is located in a beautiful renovated warehouse space offering a variety of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and mixed media classes.

I had been making art for many years prior to enrolling in a painting class at NYSA just before the pandemic. 

They saved my sanity when they opened for socially distanced studio-style classes in the fall of 2020. It wasn’t until then that I tapped into the depth of my creativity and began exploring what I really wanted to say with my work. There is a generosity and willingness among faculty to support each student’s unique practice and help them develop a language and voice. As a result, my work and practice transformed, and so to go deeper I enrolled in the school’s Arts Intensive Program which gives me dedicated studio space and more access to faculty and classes. The following quote by David Bowie beautifully sums up what I have learned and internalized:

“Always remember that the reason you initially started working is that there was something inside yourself you felt that if you could manifest in some way you would understand more about yourself and how you coexist with the rest of society.”

In addition to two expansive floors of spaces for classes (not to mention a massive library of art books), the school houses two galleries for curated shows and a floor dedicated to private studio spaces. New York School of the Arts is celebrating its 5th anniversary with an Open House November 2, 6-9pm. 

There will be art demonstrations, refreshments, an exhibition of faculty work and open studios of resident artists (including mine!). It’s a great opportunity to get a feel for what the school offers. I feel incredibly fortunate that this special place is so close to home.

For more information about the school.

To RSVP to the open house.

View this post on Instagram

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Black Artists Through History Lesson 2, Folk Musicians By Painter Romare Howard Bearden - Inspired By The Roosevelt Island March For Justice, Take The Drawing Challenge Says RIRA Youth Committee Chair

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour developed a series of Black Artists Through History Lessons inspired by the June 3 Roosevelt Island March For Justice The first lesson last month was on sculptor Edmonia Lewis.

The second Black Artists Through History Lessons from Mr Mansour is on the painter Romare Howard Bearden.

Black Artists Throught History Part 2, Romare Bearden

According to Mr. Mansour:

Romare Howard Bearden, was an American painter, whose unique collages of photographs and painted paper on canvas depict his take on Black culture in America in a style derived from Cubism. Bearden was active in social and civil rights issues. His art embodies the importance of our cultures; He said: "You should always respect what you are and your culture because if your art is going to mean anything, that is where it comes from.” In her My Hero Blog, Janie from San Diego described Romare’s work "His passion and determination gave people hope that everyone could achieve their goals.”

I too encourage every Roosevelt Island youth to pursue their dreams and make them a reality. Celebrate your culture and make it the foundation of your future. Bearden is an excellent example of how exploration and celebration of one’s culture can influence and drive their artistic work and their future- how can you do this in your own life?

I hope you enjoy this lesson. I would be honored if you take the artistic challenge and send me your painted version of Romare Howard Bearden's work

to my RIRA email: RIRAdib@eartrhlink.net

I would also encourage the youth to email me your thoughts on these wonderful black artists and your opinions on a vision for equality on the island, in this city of ours, and in our country. I would love to engage in a thoughtful discussion of race and equity in art history and theory.

Here's more on the painter Romare Howard Bearden,





sculptor Edmonia Lewis from Black Artists History Lesson 1 and the Coronavirus School Shutdown Art History Lesson Challenges from Mr. Mansour too.

Black Artists Through History Lesson 1, Sculptor Of Oppression, Pride & Courage Edmonia Lewis - Inspired By The Roosevelt Island March For Justice, Take The Drawing Challenge Says RIRA Youth Committee Chair

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour is beginning a series of Black Artists Through History Lessons inspired by the June 3 Roosevelt Island March For Justice that will be appearing on Roosevelt Islander.

According to Mr. Mansour:

Hello everyone,

As a follow up to my pledge as the Chair of RIRA’s Children, Youth & Education Committee I’ve created the first in a series of lessons to cover Black Artists through History. I must confess that before my research I did not know this incredible artist, Edmonia Lewis.

Screenshot From East Tennessee State You Tube Video

I was so captivated by her story, her triumphs and persistence during difficult times of segregation. Through reading her story it is clear that the racism she faced in America as a Black woman and an artist is an unfortunately persistent story that black artists especially Black female-identifying artists still face today, nearly 200 years later.

As Will Smith was recently quoted as saying: “Racism is not getting worse, it is getting filmed.” I hope that these lessons uncover the triumphs in the face of bigotry and educate all of us that we are all part of the change! This is the land of the free and home of the brave, for all off us!!

Please enjoy Edmonia Lewis’ story and internationally renowned art. Take the challenge and draw something from your heritage that inspires you, then email it to me rirAdib@earthlink.net.

Black Artists Throught History


Here's more on the artist Edmonia Lewis.





Also, more Roosevelt Island Coronavirus School Shutdown Art History Lesson Challenges from Mr. Mansour.

Create Your Own Version Of An Angel Playing a Flageolet Painting by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Take The Roosevelt Island Coronavirus School Shutdown Virtual Art History Lesson Challenge

Earlier this month we began a Roosevelt Island Art History Lesson Program developed by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour. To date, there have been 6 previous lessons.

The Lesson 7 Art History painting for this week focuses on An Angel Playing a Flageolet, by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, 1878

According to Mr. Mansour:

The painting is not only beautiful but it stands at a historical point where a group of artists that called themselves Pre-Raphaelite painters. They wanted to make a stand to go back to the more simple and detailed work of the Italian art of the 1400s. It is elegant and peaceful.

I encourage more people to print the black and white outline from this lesson or any of the previous 6 lessons. Take the challenge of coloring each of the paintings in the same style as the original and email your work to my email: rirAdib@earthlink.net.

Click to download Art History Lesson 7 on An Angel Playing a Flageolet, by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, 1878 prepared by RIRA's Adib Manosur.

Read more »

Create Your Own Version Of Francisco Goya Painting, Take The Roosevelt Island Coronavirus School Shutdown Virtual Art History Lesson Challenge - More RI Virtual Activities Available Too

Earlier this month we began a Roosevelt Island Art History Lesson Program developed by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour. To date, there have been 5 previous lessons.

The Lesson 6 Art History painting for this week focuses on Don Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zuñiga by Francisco Goya.

According to Mr Mansour:

I believe the students on the island as well as their parents /caretakers, are searching for activities to share with their children at home.

My idea is to provide parents / caretakers and the youth of this beautiful island educational outlets with fun activities. These consist of easy to learn facts, easy for the youth to learn on their own or with the help of the families / caretakers.

I know how difficult it is for the islanders to be quarantined and hope that these lessons / fun activities would give them a physical and emotional relief. At this time, I will concentrate on Art History which will include: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, El Greco, Gainsborough, Fragonard, Goya, Sir Edward Burns-Jones, Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, Thomas Eakins, Pierre-August Renoir, and Auguste Rodin.

The objective of Art History Lessons is to invite the students of all ages to create their own versions of numerous great paintings.

By end of class, participants will be able to identify several famous paintings as well as learn some historical, cultural, and artistic information.The students will learn about the artist’s life and achievements. The caretakers will have 15 minutes discussions on each painting, looking at details and personal interpretations.

I encourage the readers to submit their re-creation of any of the paintings from the 6 paintings thus far.

Click to download Art History Lesson 6 on Don Manuel Osorio Manrique de Zuñiga by Francisco Goya. 

Read more »

Take The Roosevelt Island Coronavirus School Shutdown Virtual Art History Lesson Challenge To Create Your Own Version Of A Young Girl Reading Painting By Jean Honoré Fragonard - More RI Virtual Activities Available Too

Earlier this month we began a Roosevelt Island Art History Lesson Program developed by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour:

• Lesson 1 focused on the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. 
• Lesson 2 focusing on the Delphic Sibyl, Michelangelo Buonarroti.
• Lesson 3 focusing on A View of Toledo, by El Greco 1604 -14
• Lesson 4 focusing on The Blue Boy, Thomas Gainsborough 1770 

Lesson 5 this week will be A Young Girl Reading, Jean Honoré Fragonard 1776

According to Mr Mansour:

I believe the students on the island as well as their parents /caretakers, are searching for activities to share with their children at home.

My idea is to provide parents / caretakers and the youth of this beautiful island educational outlets with fun activities. These consist of easy to learn facts, easy for the youth to learn on their own or with the help of the families / caretakers.

I know how difficult it is for the islanders to be quarantined and hope that these lessons / fun activities would give them a physical and emotional relief. At this time, I will concentrate on Art History which will include: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, El Greco, Gainsborough, Fragonard, Goya, Sir Edward Burns-Jones, Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, Thomas Eakins, Pierre-August Renoir, and Auguste Rodin.

Read more »

Virtual Art History Lessons For Roosevelt Island Students And Families During Coronavirus School Shutdown, 4th Lesson The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough, Take The Challenge To Create Your Own Version Of Painting - More Virtual RI Activities Too

Earlier this month we began a Roosevelt Island Art History Lesson Program developed by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour:

• Lesson 1 focused on the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. 
• Lesson 2 focusing on the Delphic Sibyl, Michelangelo Buonarroti.
• Lesson 3 focusing on A View of Toledo, by El Greco 1604 -14

Lesson 4 this week will be on The Blue Boy, Thomas Gainsborough, 1770

According to Mr Mansour:

I believe the students on the island as well as their parents /caretakers, are searching for activities to share with their children at home.

My idea is to provide parents / caretakers and the youth of this beautiful island educational outlets with fun activities. These consist of easy to learn facts, easy for the youth to learn on their own or with the help of the families / caretakers.

I know how difficult it is for the islanders to be quarantined and hope that these lessons / fun activities would give them a physical and emotional relief. At this time, I will concentrate on Art History which will include: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, El Greco, Gainsborough, Fragonard, Goya, Sir Edward Burns-Jones, Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, Thomas Eakins, Pierre-August Renoir, and Auguste Rodin.

The objective of Art History Lessons is to invite the students of all ages to create their own versions of numerous great paintings.

By end of class, participants will be able to identify several famous paintings as well as learn some historical, cultural, and artistic information.The students will learn about the artist’s life and achievements. The caretakers will have 15 minutes discussions on each painting, looking at details and personal interpretations.

Click to download Art History Lesson 4 The Blue Boy, Thomas Gainsborough, 1770 prepared by RIRA's Adib Manosur.

Read more »

RIRA Youth Committee Chair Develops Art History Lessons For Roosevelt Island Students And Families During Coronavirus School Shutdown, 3rd Lesson A View Of Toledo By El Greco - Cornell Tech Computer Science, Beacon Virtual Classroom, Music Play Station & Island Om Yoga Programs Available Too

Earlier this month we began a Roosevelt Island Art History Lesson Program developed by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour:

• Lesson 1 focused on the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. 
• Lesson 2 focusing on the Delphic Sibyl, Michelangelo Buonarroti.

Lesson 3 this week will be on A View of Toledo, by El Greco 1604 -14. 

According to Mr Mansour:

Read more »

RIRA Youth Committee Chair Develops Art History Lessons For Roosevelt Island Students And Families During Coronavirus School Shutdown, 2nd Lesson On Delphic Sibyl By Michelangelo - Cornell Tech Computer Science, Beacon Virtual Classroom, Music Play Station & Island Om Yoga Programs Available Too

Last week we began a Roosevelt Island Art History Lesson Program developed by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour. The first lesson focused on the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. This week will be Lesson 2 focusing on the Delphic Sibyl, Michelangelo Buonarroti.

According to Mr Mansour:

I believe the students on the island as well as their parents /caretakers, are searching for activities to share with their children at home.

My idea is to provide parents / caretakers and the youth of this beautiful island educational outlets with fun activities. These consist of easy to learn facts, easy for the youth to learn on their own or with the help of the families / caretakers.

Read more »

NYC Schools Closed For The Year Due To Coronavirus, RIRA Youth Committee Chair Develops Art History Lessons For Roosevelt Island Students And Families During Quarantine - Cornell Tech Computer Science And Beacon Virtual Classroom Programs Available Too

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio reported that NYC schools will be closed for the rest of the year.

We closed school buildings to protect our kids.

So how do we keep our students learning? We’ve got the answer to that and more of your questions. #AskMyMayor. pic.twitter.com/oifkgS0VNY

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 13, 2020

Check out @NYCMayor de Blasio & @DOEChancellor Carranza’s letter to families announcing that @NYCschools buildings will not reopen for instruction this school year. Students will continue with Remote Learning for the rest of the 2019-20 school year: https://t.co/L6zMxSc69v

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) April 11, 2020

What additional educational options are available for Roosevelt Island students and their families until the schools re-open. One option is a program developed by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Children, Youth & Education Committee Chair Adib Mansour. According to Mr Mansour:

I believe the students on the island as well as their parents /caretakers, are searching for activities to share with their children at home.

My idea is to provide parents / caretakers and the youth of this beautiful island educational outlets with fun activities. These consist of easy to learn facts, easy for the youth to learn on their own or with the help of the families / caretakers.

Read more »

Series Of Painting & Drawing Classes Begin Monday April 9 At Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center - Explore The Visual Arts And Create Your Own Masterpiece With Bethany

Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center Outreach Coordinator Yulisa Santana reports:

We’re excited to announce a new art class: Exploration in visual arts with Bethany, which will begin Monday, April 9th and end June 25th – 9:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-3:30pm . The class and instructor are generously brought to us by 92 Street Y.

Getting Started: Drawing & Painting at Roosevelt Island Senior Center

Join teaching artist Bethany Robertson for a series of drawing and painting classes. Create your own masterpieces in Drawing, Drawing with Color, and Watercolor and Acrylics. All artists will be invited to participate in a celebratory exhibition at the completion of the series!

DRAWING
In this four-session class, students will develop introductory drawing skills including proportion, mark making, value, line and line quality is explored. Students will work in black and white media on paper from still-life, photographs, and self-portrait. Materials to be used will be pencil, charcoal, and ink. The principles and techniques will be used in combination to develop a finished self-portrait, approached using some tricks and tips to make the process more accessible to beginners.

Mondays, April 9, 16, 23, 30. 9:30 AM – 12 PM or 1 – 3:30 PM, 4 Sessions

DRAWING WITH COLOR

Using both chalk and oil pastels, students will focus on landscape and observational botanical drawings, with an emphasis on mark-making and line. We will look mostly at Impressionism and how the color and mark- making can be used to convey textures and form. Weather pending, we will go outside to draw a set of botanical studies from life, or draw real plants inside if inclement weather.

Mondays, May 7 & 14, 9:30 AM – 12 PM or 1 – 3:30 PM, 2 Sessions

WATERCOLOR AND ACRYLICS
Covering a variety of techniques for both paints, this course will start with more abstract techniques with watercolor and acrylic and build up to applying paint onto a canvas using a palette knife. Students will be encouraged to explore transparency/opacity, texture, and mixing color with paint. Ending the class we will paint from a found photo or photo of choice, using a simple transfer method to lay out outlines, onto a canvas!

Mondays, May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 9:30 AM – 12 PM or 1 – 3:30 PM, 4 Sessions

More info on the Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center here.

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Matisse For Kids Crafts Program On December 11 - Watch How Matisse Did The Cut Outs

Image From Pelican Products

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reports:

After our Necklaces-making and Tram Art program last September, we would like to invite you to another event in the "Crafts with Kids" series by the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network.

Join us for "Matisse for Kids" on December 11 2014, 4-6pm, at the 475 Main Street lounge! Bring some glue, crayons and kids scissors and let your children's fantasy take over for some Matisse-inspired cutouts and collages. Any books featuring Henri Matisse, for children and for adults, are also welcome. We are planning to include a story time after the craft.

A related Matisse exhibition is currently on display at MoMA until February 8 2015:

Please RSVP to eva.bosbach@amu.cz by Sunday, Dec 7. Depending on the number of children we may create several time slots in the 4-6pm window to have smaller groups of children crafting together.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Here's more on Matisse For Kids



and his Cut Out technique.

Gallery RIVVA Art Workshop Classes Start Saturday, September 26 - Explore Your Creative Talents

Image From Gallery RIVAA

Received the following message from Gallery RIVAA regarding art classes that they will be conducting free of charge.

Sounds like fun and a great way to meet some new friends and neighbors. Why not check it out?
There's More!

Here is a description of the upcoming Art Workshops being conducted by RIVAA Artist/Teachers

Do not be frightened by the descriptions as each participant will be taught on their level and ability, while at the same time being introduced to art concepts that will help you to produce a personal piece of artwork and perhaps give you skills to further appreciate art that you might view in museums and galleries.

No prior art training is required.

Materials will be supplied.

All workshops take place at the Sportspark Art Studios behind the tennis bubble.

Any questions call Gallery RIVAA at 212 308 6630

SESSION #1

Saturday, September 26^th

11 -2

Drawing

The general notions used in visual art expression. Composition, underlying structure, integrated spatial organizations, linear flow, part vs whole, etc.

The main components for creating an image: Form, Value, Color and Composition.

Drawing as the linear representation of subjects. The three modalities of line: Contour Line, Crosshatched Line and Gesture Line.

Positive and Negative shapes; the grid of lines to help integrate all elements in a composition.

Reducing objects to the basic geometric shapes of: sphere, cone, cylinder, pyramid, rectangular solid.

Value: light- dark relationship; three tones patterns and value scales,

The workshop will use still life objects for drawing studies and models for figure explorations and portraiture.

SESSION #2

Saturday, October 3^rd

11-2

Painting

Color – the esthetic, emotional and spiritual value of color.

The seven components of light as color – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Study the Color Wheel comprising Primary and Complementary colors. Study Warm and Cool Colors, Intense and Muted Tones. Learn the two main methods to gray down (Tone) the colors. Learn how to organize a palette. Learn color relationships and how to contrast colors.

SESSION #3

Saturday, October 10th

11 -2

Drawing and Painting

Drawing:

Use of vertical and horizontal lines; proportions and measurements. Value scales of light, middle and dark tones. Workshop will use a model for figure drawing and portraiture. The model in motion will be studied for balance, structure and gravity. The poses will explore action, sitting, arching, gesture and character.

Painting:

The symbolism of color and its importance in our lives.

SESSION #4

Saturday, October 17^th

11 – 2

Drawing and Painting

Pastel Technique:

Learn about different kinds of pastels (soft and hard).

Learn about colored papers for pastels and how to paint a landscape in pastels including luminosity, cool and warm colors

Painting:

Learn about flat and modulated surface, texture, vibration, impasto, transparency and how to use varnishes.

Explore the psychological, esthetical and social-spiritual aspects of the Visual Arts. No art experience necessary for any of the workshops and all materials will be supplied.