The Gateway Family YMCA – Rahway Branch Provides Specialized Arts Programming
Lara Kennedy, Arts Director at The Gateway Family YMCA – Rahway Branch announced a partnership between the YMCA and Jardine Academy, with the YMCA providing specialized arts programming for the school. Jardine Academy is a school based from the Cerebral Palsy League in Cranford, NJ. The YMCA provided a 4 week specialized art program at the Rahway Branch, 1564 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ. “The program was a huge success, and we are hoping to continue to increase these types of collaborative programs here at the YMCA,” stated Lara Kennedy, Arts Director.
According to Rodger Koerber, Branch Executive Director, “The Gateway Family YMCA – Rahway Branch is excited to partner with local organizations and offer programs dedicated to the needs of the individuals they serve. Lara has extensive experience in the arts, including 11 years as an Arts Educator.”
Through the collaboration, students were instructed on and participated in projects spanning the realm of visual arts, working hands-on to create artwork that is currently displayed in the Rahway Branch. The students created an acrylic painting based on the artworks of Sonia Delaunay. They looked at images of her work and modeled their paintings after her geometric style. They incorporated bold colors, geometric shapes and bold black outlines in order to replicate her style of painting. Students also made traditional arts and crafts for the summer to experience “summer camp”; They created a keychain, summer art pictures and name designs for their desks.
The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Gateway Family YMCA impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faith or incomes. The Y doesn’t just strengthen bodies – it strengthens people, families and communities. For more information about community programs and services provided by The Gateway Family YMCA – Rahway Branch visit www.tgfymca.org or contact the Rahway Branch at Rahwayinfo@tgfymca.org or 732-388-0057.
