NURTUREart

Program History

      The NURTUREart Educational Outreach Program was created by Eliot Lable, an artist, educator and NURTUREart Trustee, and Sarah Hervert, an Assistant Principal and former art teacher. Initiated in 2005 with Juan Morel Campos Secondary School in Williamsburg, the program began with the idea of connecting local students with NURTUREart registry artists. The program was an immediate success, with enrollment doubling by the following year.  Also working with Charles O. Dewey Middle School, the program continued to grow, offering a variety of enrichment experiences - from a portfolio preparation program in collaboration with the Pratt Institute to artists talks and gallery visits - all for students interested in pursuing a career in the arts.

      Since 2006, the students have also participated in NURTUREart’s annual benefit gala, exhibiting their work in Chelsea galleries, an exciting night for both students and their families.  In the 2009 benefit, Eric Nadelstern, CEO of Empowerment Schools for the Department of Education, honored the participating art teachers and principals with certificates of merit. 

Current Programs

Teaching Artist Program

This program invites local artists to connect with students of Juan Morel Campos Secondary School in Williamsburg and Charles O. Dewey Middle School in Sunset Park. NURTUREart hires artists to provide a unique learning experience through an artist lecture, a studio visit and a hands-on workshop at the schools. With a different artist scheduled every week throughout the academic year, students are exposed to a diverse group of local artists, working with a variety of mediums and concepts that inspire their own work and career possibilities. 

Student Curator Program

A group of advanced art students from Juan Morel Campus Secondary School is provided with a rare opportunity into curatorial practices by experiencing the entire process, from choosing a theme, selecting artwork, writing press releases, and installing the work.  The program culminates with a student-curated show at NURTUREart gallery.