Explore and Grow this Fall at Abrons Arts Center
By Nicole Fogarty
Breakdancing. Music Editing. Drag Workshop. Cartooning. These sound like courses at an arts college, but they’re actually just a sampling of the affordable and innovative arts classes for youth at the Abrons Arts Center of Henry Street Settlement on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. These classes and workshops provide students of all ages the opportunity to develop artistic and interpersonal skills in an experiential, award-winning, state-of-the-art arts center.
It’s no secret that arts education and engagement are vital to a child’s development. Studies have shown the benefits, from fostering creativity and critical thinking to building confidence and problem solving skills that will last a lifetime. Early childhood arts education improves vocabulary, verbal and non-verbal communication, and memory in young children.
The arts have a measurable impact on older students, too. An Americans for the Arts study of middle and high school students receiving arts education found that they are three to four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in math and science fairs, to be elected to student government, and to do better on their SATs.
“Students with high levels of arts participation outperform ‘arts-poor’ students by virtually every measure,” according to a study by the Arts Education Partnership and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
The arts are a vital aspect of a child’s education, yet they are continually threatened. For example, in New York City public schools, spending on arts fell by 47 percent, and arts supplies and equipment purchases were reduced by 84 percent.
Enter the Abrons Arts Center’s vast network of affordable arts classes for all ages. In addition to the more unique offerings, students can take traditional classes in ballet, tap, hip-hop, music foundations, guitar, singing, Shakespeare, and illustration, to name a few. The Abrons encourages artistic development, risk taking, and collaboration through its progressive, innovative classes and workshops.
Says Carolyn Sickles, Director of Engagement at the Abrons, “Joining the Abrons’ art making community is a step towards unlocking imagination and empowering self expression. Artist faculty explore alongside students, sharing the experience of developing unique visual and performative responses. Our studios are safe spaces for artistic exploration, learning new skills, and building long lasting creative relationships. Come have fun making art with us.”
Registration is open now! Register online at abronsartscenter.org, by phone at 212.598.0400, or in person at Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St. (@Pitt St.), New York, NY 10002 Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Financial aid is available.
NOTE: children and teens aren’t the only ones who can reap the benefits of an affordable arts education at the Abrons— adults looking to grow their creativity should click here to check out a full list of course offerings.
