Kids Combine Creativity and Culture in Creating Sugar Hill Children’s Museum Exhibit

The Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling in West Harlem welcomes local middle-school students to participate in the construction of a new exhibit, celebrating culture and creativity, according to DNA Info.

With the help of Harlem-based artist Shani Peters–who told the history of the African Diaspora by designing crowns that have been exhibited in Michigan, Zimbabwe, Harlem and elsewhere–the museum aims to replicate her work in collaboration with city kids interested in art. 

Peters’ work reflects her interests in social justice histories, media culture, community building, and cultural record keeping. She has taught as an educator and program designer throughout Harlem along with being a social justice arts education adjunct lecturer.

Led by Peters, the Artist-Children Collaborative is “an investigative and innovative hands-on art making program” created to allow middle school students to assist Peters in creating The Crown. The crowns will incorporate each student’s identity, sense of culture, and creativity. Children interested in participating can join Peters June 11 from 11:00am to 1:00pm on the stoop of Sugar Hill Museum, but space is limited.

Students will participate drawing, sculpture, and design while building their self-esteem and exploring various cultures. The program is fully tuition free and aims to help students pursue their interests in contemporary art. City kids will explore the term ‘empowerment’ while simultaneously building on their self-esteem, confidence, and imaginative skills.  

The large-scale exhibition will be displayed July 16 through September 3 in The Crown at Sugar Hill Museum and will be open to the public.  

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