BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Colorful images of brownstones, playgrounds and flowers will fill a Brooklyn gallery this fall.
The Bedford Stuyvesant Artists’ Association and Zion Gallery launched the “My BedStuy” project this summer, working with young children to help them depict their perceptions of the neighborhood.
On Sunday, kids up to age 16 will collaborate with artists to create paintings, photos, a quilt or wearable art to showcase how they see Bed-Stuy, according to Zion Gallery owner Fedrecia Hartley.
“We hope the children have looked at their neighborhood and looked at the positive aspects and take pride in Bed-Stuy,” Hartley said.
“I wanted them to see the beauty in this as well.”
This weekend's session will be the last of three workshops for the project. Previously, some participants painted the area’s block parties, while others focused on Bed-Stuy’s historic brownstones, their pets or specific individuals, according to Hartley.
Since the project’s kickoff in mid-August, 10 children have participated, with artists as young as two years old.
The initiative was made possible by a grant from the Citizens Committee for New York City, Hartley said.
The last free workshop will take place on Sept. 4 at the 152 MacDonough St. gallery from 2 to 6 p.m., where children will work on designs for bags, caps and T-shirts.
Artwork will be on display at Zion Gallery in October and debut to coincide with the annual Bed-Stuy Alive! festival celebrating the neighborhood.
For more information, contact the gallery at fmhartley@aol.com or (718) 819-7466.
