NewARTS Kids: This art program provides numerous benefits for our students. In addition to giving children a lesson in art history, as well as biographical information that is age-appropriate, it allows children to hone in on skills that will enrich other areas of their education. For example, through art, children learn how to express themselves and find their own personal perspective. They are challenged to think critically and persevere through rigorous tasks. Research suggests that art improves children’s literacy skills.
We are excited welcome Debra M. Cook as new director! Debra has been teaching ART to children since 1996. Making art, exploring new ideas, and being creative – Debra makes it all fun! She imparts this joy to her students as she introduces new concepts and project ideas. She helps each student develop the artist within them. Together they work on developing an understanding of the elements of art and explore how they can be expressed using a variety of art media. Debra encourages the children to have a positive attitude and to try their best. It is her hope that they will continue to develop this positive, “can do” approach in all areas of their lives as they learn and grow, not only as artists, but as the wonderful people they were meant to be.
Debra M. Cook – Fine Arts Instructor, Sacred Artist, Botanical Illustrator, Iconographer and Photographer. Debra was educated at Parsons School of Design, School of Visual Arts, New York Botanical Garden and the Prosopon School of Iconology. Debra has taught art lessons and workshops to children, teens, and adults for over twenty years at her private art studio, churches, and various locations. Debra’s artwork has been exhibited and awarded in shows; her icons, drawings, paintings, and photographs hang in churches and many private collections. Our visual arts program, NewArts Kids had 22 participants in 2019. Our Spring and Fall 2020 sessions were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to offering this great program in the Spring of 2021
