Essence
ArtsConnection
As part of ArtsConnection’s Teen Programs, Essence is a selection of 16 amazing works of art created by New York City public school students in grades 6-12. Curated by Badiallo and Jeremy, two current interns who are also alumni of our Teen Programs, this curatorial lab in Chashama’s space to present offers the opportunity to publicly exhibit this work by NYC Teen artists. It also allows young people to practice what they have learned as participants in our programs and hone their curatorial design skills from planning to installation, outreach to facilitating public programs.
The curatorial process involved selecting from 50 previously exhibited pieces from an ArtsConnection Student Art Program exhibition on the theme of Simplicity in Complexity. Jeremy and Badiallo selected artworks that represented a range of grades and visual responses to the theme. For them, the connecting through-line was the fact that the created pieces not only addressed the theme but embodied a unique “essence” of each artist. For the past 41 years, ArtsConnection—a publicly and privately funded non-profit—has worked to make the arts an essential part of education by connecting performing and visual artists with young people, families, and schools in creative partnerships for teaching and learning. Reaching 45,000 students across New York City’s five boroughs, from Pre-K through 12th grade, ArtsConnection provides both in-school and out-of-school-time programming in music, dance, theater, media, and the visual arts.
As part of the educational mission and values of ArtsConnection, we provide comprehensive internships for teens and young adults seeking professional and educational experience. Our goal is to help interns apply their knowledge, experience, and skills in a workplace environment in order to assist them to more clearly define their own career and education pathways.
For more information about ArtsConnection’s Teen Programs please visit: teens.artsconnection.org or follow them on Instagram or Twitter.
Participating Artist from NYC Public Schools
Alana G. East Side Community High School, created in grade 11
Briana L. Millennium Art Academy, created in grade 11
Chu Yi L. Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, created in grade 11
Daisy N. High School of Art and Design, created in grade 10
Dinah B. High School of Art and Design, created in grade 11
Icyss S. William Cullen Bryant High School, created in grade 11
Imani S. Community Health Academy of the Heights, created in grade 12
Jinhang R. Marie Curie, MS 158Q, created in grade 7
Justin W. Ballet Tech, created in grade 7
Karen M. Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, created in grade 11
Kayla H. Community Health Academy of the Heights, created in grade 8
Madeline P. The Computer School, created in grade 7
Maggie Y. Marie Curie, MS 158Q, created in grade 7
Mia A. Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, created in grade 10
Stella M. Edward R. Murrow High School, created in grade 11
Xin Qing S. Newtown High School, created in grade 10
About the Curators
Jeremy Feliz and Badiallo Diawara have participated in multiple program opportunities with ArtsConnection while in high school. Badiallo exhibited in our Art2Art Program, participated in Pizza and a Movie (PAAM) and took advantage of our High 5 ticketing program. She is currently a student at City College studying Graphic Design. Jeremy exhibited in the Student Art Program, joined the Teen Advisory Council, and participated in Teens Curate Teens, first as an artist and then as a curator. He also was an administrative intern with us in the Spring of 2019. He is currently a Studio Art major at BMCC. ArtsConnection applauds Badiallo and Jeremy for their exceptional work on this project.
Image credit: Stella M.
