Art and Inspiration on a Budget
By Professor Melissa Tortora
Evidence of the dire state of our nation's economy is everywhere. Layoffs from all kinds of jobs. Drops in sales in all realms of retail. The housing market has gone through the floor. The country is in a bad way, and we are brutally reminded of that every time we turn on the TV, hop on a bus or subway, or go shopping.
For adults this is bad enough, but one of the biggest groups that this recession is taking a toll on is our children. As the powers that be continually cut school budgets, teachers are laid off, classes get larger, and students get less attention. Not only that, but some students' favorite subjects are dropped as well, including music, art, and gym.
While these are not the most essential classes for a child's academic success, they are indelible in a child's upbringing. How will kids discover their talents, their passions, their gifts, if the centers of their educational lives aren't giving them the tools they need? How will they know they love to paint? How will they learn the benefits of eating healthy and getting exercise? How will they learn who they are, who they can become?
If schools aren't going to do it, it becomes a parent's responsibility. Fortunately for us New Yorkers, the five boroughs are full of things for kids to do that are educational, invigorating, inspiring, and best of all, FREE OF COST. Here is a sampling of where you can find events for both you and your families to enjoy:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Manhattan)
http://www.metmuseum.org/ (212)-535-7710
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the oldest, largest, and finest museums of art in the world, housing art from all time periods and cultures, such as Egyptian, Greco- Roman, Native American, and Western European. In addition, as a cultural and educational institution, it provides classes and workshops (both single events and ongoing ones) for not only kids, but whole families as well. Most of these offerings are free with the price of admission, which, with a student ID, is only as high as the customer wants it to be (meaning, admission costs are merely “suggested donations;” you can get in by paying only a dollar if you want!).
- The Museum of Modern Art (Manhattan)
http://moma.org/ (212) 708-9400
The Museum of Modern Art is just that – a collection of art from around the world produced within the past century, including photography, sculptures, paintings, fashion, even home décor! Like the Met, this museum offers countless programs for kids and teens, including internships and courses. Admission to this museum is $12 with a student ID for adults, and free for kids 16 and under. Special events (excluding films) are generally free with admission; see the website for more details.
- New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (All Boroughs)
http://www.nycgovparks.org/
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation is among the greatest resources out there for activities of all kinds, including everything from arts and crafts to fitness events to history and nature tours. These activities take place throughout all five boroughs in New York City. On the website, you can tailor your search for things to do by selecting your location, what you're interested in, and when you have the time. Most of the events throughout the parks are free, and many recur year-round.
- The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (All Boroughs)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/afterschool/programs.shtml
The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development provides a large number of centers across the five boroughs to benefit students, and it is not advertised nearly enough. On this website, you can find a wide variety of after school programs of which your kids can take advantage, including homework help, tutoring, college prep activities, and more. Take a look at the different offerings on this list and see which ones suit your child's interests and needs.
I encourage you to explore the websites provided here. If you would like more information, feel free to see me in the office or e-mail me at mtortora@mail.plazacollege.edu. I look forward to your questions and feedback!