Photography and Art Kick Off Summer Enrichment Programs

The Museum’s Summer Enrichment program kicked off with a program inspired by the recent exhibition of photographs by Michael Flanagan in “Hoboken People and Places: 1976 – 1994,” one of five new and exciting Summer Camp programs designed for children ages 4-5, and 6-9 years old.

On June 26, 2017 the first group of summer campers were welcomed into the Museum for “Photography and Art Camp,” which aimed to teach children about historical figures from Hoboken who contributed to the arts. Lessons included an introduction to photography, the use of a camera, and learning about prominent Hoboken photographers, Dorothea Lange and Alfred Stieglitz, designed to introduce campers to the world of portrait and landscape photography. On the third day of camp, campers learned about Weehawken resident John Marin, who used the New York City skyline as an inspiration for his abstract work.

After many lessons, it was time to experience the art scene in Hoboken today, so campers enjoyed a proper Hoboken gallery crawl. Ricardo Roig of Roig Gallery (pictured at left) and Pablo Godoy of Right Angle Framing welcomed us to their spaces for discussion and observation. Museum associate and artist Bill Curran then hosted a workshop on painting with watercolors.

On the final day of camp, the budding artists hosted their family and friends in the Museum for a gallery opening of their work. (See image at right from the Gallery Opening.) Children were excited to display their best photographs and artwork for everyone to admire.

“As the Museum Education Curator, it was important for me to teach children how to view the world through an artistic lens. Taking walks through different parts of Hoboken really inspired campers to closely observe the beautiful scenery this city has to offer. It was fascinating to see these emerging artists using their cameras to take photographs of Hoboken people and places.”

Session 2, “Junior Firefighters Day Camp,” starts Monday, July 10, and is fully booked. There are a few spaces available in Sessions 3, 4, and 5. Click here to learn more.

— Maria Lara, Education Curator