2019 Dream Big! Summer Program Artwork on Display at Closing Ceremony

It was an exciting summer for the children of the Dream Big! Summer Arts Enrichment Program that included an introduction to the works of a famous collage artist, an opportunity to meet with his niece, an excursion on the High Line to see inspiring artworks and cityscapes and a meeting with a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Hosted by SCAN/PS 274 summer camp, Bronx Children's Museum Teaching Artists led children in the creation of mixed-media artworks inspired by the artistry of Romare Bearden, a famous collage artist known for his colorful depictions of neighborhood life in New York City and by the life of Justice Sonia Sotomayor and her ability to overcome adversity and uplift her community. During the five-week program children used Bearden’s techniques to create a series of collaborative collages of the Bronx representing their own vision for the borough and their dreams for the future.

In July, a group of children from the program visited the D. C. Moore Gallery in Manhattan where they met with Mr. Bearden's niece, Diedra Harris-Kelley, and viewed five authentic works of art by Mr. Bearden. The visit was followed by an excursion on the High Line where they took in the NYC cityscape, architecture and public art. They ended their walk at the site of "Brick House" by Simone Liegh, a substantial new sculpture installed at 10th Avenue and 30th Street.

The children enjoyed an ending celebration on Thursday, August 16 where they displayed their 4' x 6' collages for parents and caregivers. Representatives from each group spoke about what the artworks meant to them and the lessons they learn putting it all together. The presentation was followed by lunch, music and dance.

The collage series will be on display in our new building when it opens in late-2020.

The Dream Big! Initiative is made possible through the generosity of the Museum Board of Directors, New York State Council on the Arts, SCAN and Macy’s.