ArtWorks Teams with Incarnation Childrens Center to bring Healing Arts to Youth Living with HIV

NEW YORK - July 25, 2014 - PRLog -- NEW YORK, NY – Having worked together for many years, ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation, and Incarnation Children Center (ICC) are expanding their collaboration. ICC has often played a lead role in ArtWorks’ Express Yourself show, a visual and performing art exhibition, through the submission of works of art as well as live performances of singing and dancing from the amazingly talented residents. This year ArtWorks is sponsoring an 8 week summer workshop program in the areas of photography, hip hop, costume and makeup design, mural work, movement and sketching.

“We are so grateful for the ArtWorks program and the work they have done with our residents here at ICC. They provide powerful opportunities for healing and self-expression to our children and teens. We are excited at the prospect of this new venture with ArtWorks and believe that it will be an invaluable experience for all.” shared Carolyn Castro, Executive Director of Incarnation Children’s Center.

The ICC and ArtWorks summer program has been custom designed for 21 children and young adults who call ICC home. Each of the participants shared their love of hip hop music which is the focus for their collaborative art creation. Lead by artist, radio commentator and dancer, Brooke Borg, participants will work together during each session playing unique roles based on their interests. The final session will include the installation of their group mural as well as a celebration of their creative spirit and resilience.

“ArtWorks is thrilled to be able to continue our support of the tremendous work of ICC, by sharing the creative arts with these children and young adults. Living with HIV is what brings the youth to ICC, however, it is their amazing talents and desire to learn that allows their participation in this group project. We thank our generous private donor who funded this initiative and look forward to many joint events with ICC in the future” said Founder and Executive Director, Daniela Mendelsohn.

ABOUT ARTWORKS, THE NAOMI COHAIN FOUNDATION

Founded in 2002, ArtWorks provides children and young adults suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and their siblings, access to creative and performing arts programs that encourage the use of the creative process as a vehicle for healing, communication, self-expression and personal development. ArtWorks seeks to empower, validate, and honor these children by offering them the hands-on experience and materials with which to create, as well as the opportunity to publicly share their artistic accomplishments.

ABOUT INCARNATION CHILDREN’S CENTER

The Incarnation Children’s Center (ICC) is New York City’s only skilled nursing facility providing specialized care for children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. ICC’s unique combination of expertise and support provides the child and his or her family with an interdisciplinary approach designed to meet the challenges of this illness and minimize its effects on the quality of life.