This afternoon I visited a chartered school called the Harlem Academy in Harlem on 115 Street and Fifth Avenue, there I met with Rebecca, a brilliant and talented school administrator. This school is an amazing institution that serves the local community and is rated as one of the best elementary and middle school in the country, thanks to an amazing educator Vinny Dotoli, the
Head of School.
Rebecca was working with me these last couple of months to schedule what was supposed to be a talk with 4th graders. At two pm sharp, I entered the class were 16 children where waiting to meet me. Rebecca alerted me that the kids already saw some movies, read and learned a lot about my work and me. A chair was installed for me and the kids were assembled in a half a circle around waiting to ask me questions, impatiently. I immediately decided to sit on the floor at eye level with the kids, my message was clear: “hey kids! I am one of you.”
Rebecca was working with me these last couple of months to schedule what was supposed to be a talk with 4th graders. At two pm sharp, I entered the class were 16 children where waiting to meet me. Rebecca alerted me that the kids already saw some movies, read and learned a lot about my work and me. A chair was installed for me and the kids were assembled in a half a circle around waiting to ask me questions, impatiently. I immediately decided to sit on the floor at eye level with the kids, my message was clear: “hey kids! I am one of you.”
I asked each child to say his name before he asked me his question, so that I can get familiar with them and create a personal link with each one of this warm and wonderful kids. I introduce myself as Ron and we started a very animated dialog, on art, colors shapes and life. I talked about my life in Paris growing up and the importance of art in my early childhood. They were very curious and I could sense their interest about an adult who was talking to them as an equal.
This short visit that lasted about an hour was an enormous source of inspiration and joy to me. The kids were vibrant, intelligent, spontaneous, and curious. I felt as a part of their group and was genuinely interested to hear them express their vision and ideas on the art that I was showing them trough my Ipad. I prepared a selection of images for them to see so that we can have a dialog based on my creations and environment.
This short visit that lasted about an hour was an enormous source of inspiration and joy to me. The kids were vibrant, intelligent, spontaneous, and curious. I felt as a part of their group and was genuinely interested to hear them express their vision and ideas on the art that I was showing them trough my Ipad. I prepared a selection of images for them to see so that we can have a dialog based on my creations and environment.
The hour passed like a “flash” and we agreed that they would all visit me in my studio. There, they will witness and live the experience of an artist studio, I called it my Disney World for adult. They all smiled. My real wish was to engage them and give them the confidence that each of them can create and dream a vision, uniquely personal. I shared with them a secret that “I was a child like them, but a grown up child.” They loved it and start laughing.
I cannot wait to see them again soon in my place. This incredible experience would not have been possible if it was not initiated by the French Consulate in New York City and in particular the Consul himself Philippe Lalliot. Philippe has taken the task to support and help the school with an annual fundraiser at the Consulate. Some big French companies like Cartier and L’Oreal prodded by Philippe are joining the rooster of supporters. So thank you Mr. Consul General for having me now as part of your team, also.
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