Nanette Hernandez had always wanted to provide her daughter with an artistic environment. So when her daughter brought home a flyer for the programs offered by Arts on the Hudson, she immediately signed up Rosa, her 8-year-old daughter.
Two weeks ago, Hernandez was able to see the outcome of 16 weeks of private piano lessons in a performance at Victory Hall.
Grigory Gurevich, the founder of Arts on the Hudson, assembles these performances and art exhibits at the end of every eight-week session. According to Gurevich, it provides the children an opportunity to show what they have accomplished.
A few piano recitals were only a small part of the day’s performances. Kids demonstrated their newfound knowledge of martial arts, ballet, and mime. Parents also saw the sculptures and paintings children made in the visual arts classes that were exhibited on walls and tables of Victory Hall as well.
Seeing her daughter play the piano, Hernandez said that the program was well worth it.
“The beginning years are so critical to their overall learning,” Hernandez said. “Especially in the culture they are coming into. No one has just one role in life anymore. You can be a lawyer by day and a musician by night. I see it all the time.”
Gurevich has been running the classes for three years and continues to build on the classes offered by recruiting more instructors. Originally from Russia, Gurevich migrated to the United States in 1976 after his pantomime performances met opposition from state officials.
Although he makes his living by selling sculptures and paintings, Gurevich has always had an interest in teaching art. After living in Jersey City for some time, he recognized a need for an arts program for children.
As the classic argument goes, children from middle income and low-income families are often denied the opportunity to explore various arts because of the finances involved. To solve this problem, Gurevich spent $1,000 grant he received on a one-day arts workshop.
With 13 artists teaching one-hour workshops, Gurevich watched children become excited as they quickly followed the instructor’s lead to make their own artistic creations. This formula served as the basis for his present program that includes classes in visual and performing arts.
Using different venues in Jersey City, like the Boys & Girls Club at the end of Grove Street, Gurevich has created a diverse program that offers children a chance to explore different arts.
Receiving an annual $30,000 grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and a $20,000 Community Block Development Grant from Jersey City, Gurevich has been able to keep the cost of the program at a price many people can afford. Classes generally cost $75 for eight sessions. Many students are shuttled to and from the classes by two people hired by Gurevich to provide transportation. “This is good for low-income and middle-income families,” Gurevich said.
He also offers scholarship money for low-income families who qualify.
“For me, it’s a stretch,” Hernandez said. “I got to find the dollars, but we’re managing. It’s much more reasonable there than if I went out and looked for some to give her lessons privately.”
Hernandez said that the high quality and low cost of the program has encouraged her to lend a helping hand when it is needed. “It is important that I give to this program also,” Hernandez said.
Lissa Welles sends her son and daughter for private piano instruction through Arts on The Hudson as well. “I think the piano teacher is great,” Welles said. “My daughter, who was very reluctant to practice, now practices all the time.”
Welles said the program allows many children an opportunity to be exposed to things that they would ordinarily be sheltered from due to financial reasons. “We want them to experiment with things and have that opportunity,” Welles said.
Plus, she added, there is something for everyone. “It’s an incredible range,” Welles said. “There’s got to be something that appeals to your kid.”
For more information on signing up for classes, call (201) 451-4862, or visit the web site www.artsonthehudson.tripod.com. Scholarships are available for children that can not afford the standard price for the classes, and can be requested by calling (201) 333-4100, ext. 129.