Artist will launch Harlem Renaissance art project at HSA (New York Amsterdam News - August 28, 2014) #Harlem #ArtEducation #RockThoseReads #PacoCao: The Harlem School of the Arts, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library EXCERPT: “The Harlem Renaissance is a part of history that is very interesting to me,” said Cao. During the Harlem Renaissance, Harlem became the cultural center, drawing Black writers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets, scholars and many more who felt they could freely express their talents and beliefs. “I want to be able to combine the facts that are well known with the facts that are not well known,” said Cao. “There is also a very interesting historical situation in Harlem at the time this movement appeared. It was the transition from being mostly a Jewish community to becoming mostly African-American. That’s very interesting for me to be able to reflect and discuss with the students and make them aware of how history is important for arts and creativity.” Cao is hoping to provide the students with the tools to become involved in the learning process and become emerged in the facts in a very active and dynamic way. “Connecting with an artist with a resume, such as Paco Cao, is very important to HSA,” stated Ana Ruiz-Castillo, visual arts director at HSA. “We are always trying to get the best artists, and Paco Cao, an artist that has shown all around the world in the most important museums, is a great way to teach our students and for them to gain the experience of working with such an important artist. “Since Cao has a doctorate in art history and knows a lot about Harlem, which is our theme for this year, everything seems to match perfect for the children to gain the experience that Mr. Cao is providing.” The workshops will take place Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The historical research aspect of the project will be carried out at the New York Public Library–Schomburg Center in Harlem, which focuses mainly on the African-American population and traditions. “Sometimes we will work at HSA, and other times we will go to different venues,” said Cao. “I want the students to understand the importance of researching in different ways.” Cao’s plan is to get the entire school involved in the project, while also making it community-based. “My idea is to get the input of other teachers and the families of the students, so I can collect the graphic materials through the family history of those students as part of the project,” he said. “This way the project can grow in a way that is engaging for the people, easy to connect with and at the same time very reachable.”
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:50:18 +0000
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