NYSCA 2024 Grantee Foundation for New American Art 501c3 has created an
Afterschool Program at 488 MAIN STREET to bring FREE
art/music/dance/acting classes to the children of Poughkeepsie.
WHO: The youth we serve through our “Paint Brushes Not Guns” programs
are aged 8 to 12 years old.
WHAT: Our free program features Master Teachers in the fields of art,
singing, dance, drama, and music. Led by Foundation for New American
Art, Executive Director Phoebe Legere, the lessons, workshops and
mentoring sessions are offered at no charge.
WHERE: The Foundation for New American Art program is located at 488
Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
WHEN: The classes are held every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 to 5:30
pm starting March 20, 2024.
HOW: The program is sponsored in part by a 2024 grant from NYSCA, Hudson
River Housing with additional support from Vassar College.
Master Teachers from Vassar College and Suny New Paltz will be teaching
dance and music every week.
Our grand piano was generously donated by the Vassar College Music
Department.
Our program is bilingual and trilingual. All are welcome.
Teachers:
--Executive Director Phoebe Legere is an Epic Records recording star,
actress, composer, internationally recognized painter and lecturer at
NYU.
--Professor Toni Llanos, SUNY New Paltz, renowned for her M*POWER
technique
--Dr. Alexander Bonus, beloved Vassar music professor
and many more guest artists from around the world!
BACKGROUND: The Foundation for New American Art (FNAA) nonprofit was
formed in response to the dire situation of public schools eliminating
or drastically cutting arts education budgets. FNAA is dedicated to
bringing arts education programs to underserved students in low-income
communities.
Our “PAINT BRUSHES NOT GUNS 2024 Poughkeepsie INITIATIVE” uses the power
of art, music and dance to motivate children to graduate and pursue
their dreams. Our nonprofit aims to bring cultural equity to
neighborhoods lacking true opportunity to participate and be educated in
dance, art, theater, and performance. FNAA is privileged to serve the
children of Poughkeepsie, NY.
“At Foundation for New American Art, we believe in the inherent ability
of art to transcend barriers, heal wounds, and inspire greatness. With a
steadfast commitment to leading children away from gang violence and
drugs, we strive to ignite the flames of creativity within each young
soul, empowering them to shape their own destinies through the power of
self-expression. Where there is art, there is hope. ” – Phoebe Legere
National Director Phoebe Legere is available for interviews.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Phoebe Legere –
phoebe@foundationfornewamericanart.org
©Paint Brushes Not Guns 2024 Initiative
CAPTION:Photo #1: Michel Angel Bravo expresses himself freely with the
color "Blue" at the free, bilingual after school arts program, Monday
and Wednesday at 488 Main St. Poughkeepsie