On Friday, May 17, 2013, Riis Settlement held a reception for the dedication and renaming of their Art Room. The room was renamed in honor of the Joan Mitchell Foundation for their longstanding and tireless commitment to Riis Settlement and the communities we serve throughout Western Queens.
The reception brought together an array of people, including staff and board members from both Riis Settlement and the Joan Mitchell Foundation, artist teachers and participating art students and their family and friends from both our Riis Academy and Senior Center. The night began with guests mingling with new and familiar faces and enjoying an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Past and present art students were reconnected with their teachers, some of whom they had not seen since finishing their art courses with the Foundation.
Director of Development and Communications Christopher Hanway began the night’s program with opening remarks, sharing a history of the integral partnership between Riis Settlement and the Foundation. “ I think it’s fair to say that there is no other collaborative effort going on here that is more important, more valuable, or more beneficial to the community members we serve than the partnership with the Joan Mitchell Foundation,” he said. Mr. Hanway continued the evening by inviting Joan Mitchell Foundation Executive Director Carolyn Somers to the podium. Ms. Somers was thrilled to speak about the impact the Foundation has had on the Riis Settlement community and in turn, on the Foundation and the teachers involved.
Former Saturday Studios participant Cree Payton came up to the podium to share her experiences and the impact the Foundation has had on her academic and personal life. “The Joan Mitchell Foundation has given me opportunities that I never thought imaginable,” said Payton, a senior at Art and Design High School. I will always be grateful to them for not only being great teachers, but also my mentors.”
Riis Academy-Queensbridge Program Coordinator Veronica Franklin not only holds a professional relationship with the Foundation but also a personal one. Her five children, ages ranging from 3-20, have been coming to Riis Settlement since infancy and have all been involved in the Foundation’s art classes. “When the Foundation offered my son Jaquan- who at the time was only 15- a chance to travel to California for a conference, I was terrified. My kids have never been out of my sight for a day in my life. The Joan Mitchell Foundation eased my worries and ensured that he would be safe. Jaquan came back from that trip even greater than he already was.”
Veronica’s son Jaquan took the podium to thank the Foundation for their great influence in his life. “The teachers here at the Joan Mitchell Foundation have helped me with everything: from developing my portfolio to apply for art design school to exposing me to people and opportunities I never thought I could have.” Jaquan has used his creativity and entrepreneurial skills to start a clothing line, which he showcased some items to the attendees.
After the reception, attendees made their way down the hall to the art room, where past and present art students unveiled the plaque. The plaque unveiling was received with unanimous applause. It reads, “The Joan Mitchell Foundation Art Room.”
For more pictures from the event, please check out our Facebook page.
