HARLEM — A local community arts organization is hoping to fill a void for its “Dreamers.”
The Greenhouse Arts Center, which brings ballet, musical theater, acting workshops and Hip-Hop classes to Harlem youth — which it calls “Dreamers” — kicked off an online campaign to raise $16,000 to expand arts education services for low-income residents.
As of Monday afternoon, the organization had reached $1,000.
The organization operates out of the basement of Bethel Holy Church, at 922 St. Nicholas Ave., every Saturday, but its roster, which is nearly 100 students, has exceeded its funding since opening last September.
“We have a lot of a dreams and goals about how we want to grow and develop,” said Lauren Panzica, the founder and artistic director of the organization.
“Our main obstacle is not having our own facility to do all of these programs.”
Panzica said the organization plans to use the summer, while the children are out of school, to fundraise before the start of the next school year.
Organizers also said, if the goal is reached, the funds will be used to invest in a facility of its own and bring more summer youth arts programs.
Another plan, Panzica said, is to provide scholarships to families who find it hard to afford the classes, which cost $10 each along with a $20 registration fee — or $102 for a 12-class pass, according to its website.
“Pricing is accessible for our community, it’s still too much for some of our families... so that breaks my heart,” she said
Panzica said she has seen the programs help the students, who are aged from 3 to 12, build confidence in the programs and she wants to continue for families throughout Harlem.
“There are such depths in the arts that can be unreached and my goal is to help them pull out their self-worth,” she said.
