A blizzard on the day of an event can white out months of hard work. Not so for Park Performing Arts Center’s “Art for the Park” two-part fundraiser last year that drew large crowds despite inclement weather and its newcomer status.
The fundraiser, whose proceeds go to the Park PAC’s Children’s Arts Program, is back this year with a community day event and silent art auction on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Park PAC, located at 560 32nd Street, Union City.
Much needed improvements
The brainchild of PAC art teacher Lily Arango, the “Art for the Park” fundraiser was founded to raise much needed funds to improve the instructional experience for children enrolled in the organization’s Children’s Art Program.
The program offers an artistic outlet for local children in the form of art, ballet, hip hop, theater, percussion, and visual arts classes every Saturday. A fee of $75 covers 10 classes and goes toward the payment of teachers and utilities.
According to Arango, the program is run by a board of 16 members who contribute money from their own pockets due to pay cuts and frozen grants.
“The children are able to come in and actually see artwork they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to see.” – Lily Arango
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For Arango, it was a simple case of: “I saw what the need was and I wanted to try to improve it.”
Involved for the cause
Local jewelry designer Javiera Rodriguez, whose designs will be auctioned off at the fundraiser, sees her involvement in the Children’s Art Program as the perfect way to give back.
As a social worker with Bergen County Special Services, Rodriguez works with children from all over Hudson County, and was always trying to refer them to a program in the area.
According to Rodriguez, the Children’s Arts Program is exactly what she had in mind.
“There’s definitely a great need for this kind of program in the area. It gives kids somewhere to go,” she said. “It’s a wonderful program.
According to Arango, the program draws about 30 to 40 children a year to each class offered, with ballet cited as the popular.
Other notable artists have stepped up this year to support the program, with 31 donating canvasses to the silent auction, up from 20 last year.
TATS Cru, a group of Bronx-based graffiti artists turned professional muralists, last year donated scholarships for three children to take classes in the program. This year, they have returned, with each member of the donating canvasses separately.
The event
Unlike last year, the fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 4 will take place one day only.
The community day event, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., is open to all age groups and will take place in the main lobby of Park Theater. It will include vendor tables, arts and crafts for the kids, food, beverages, and a raffle for a customized skateboard. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door to benefit the Children’s Art Program.
Musical and dance performances will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and will feature local talent such as Jersey City belly dancer Caridad Rivera and Hoboken guitarist and songwriter Rolando Ramos.
Also performing will be Peruvian folklore dancer Rosa Carhuallanqui, dance company Inspirit, Brazilian hip hop band City of God, and Michael Jackson tribute artist Guillermo Ayala.
The silent auction, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., will be held in the upstairs lobby and gallery of the theater.
According to Arango, the auction portion provides the children with much more than funding. “The children are able to come in and actually see artwork they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to see,” she said.
Various art pieces, including work from photographers, painters, and jewelry designers will start at a $25 bidding price and go up from there.
Participating artists include internationally renowned artists such as John “Crash” Matos, Shannon “Dmote” Peel, Chief 69, painter M.H. Yaghooti, photographer Alexander “Zeus” Huezo, and many other upcoming artists. Music will be provided by DJ Ziggy Roman.
“Some [of the participants] are famous, some local, but everyone who came together to donate pieces are really great,” Arango said.
All proceeds from art sales and donations will support the 2010 Children’s Art Program.
For more information, call Park PAC at (201) 865-6980.
Deanna Cullen can be reached at dcullen@hudsonreporter.com.