Exciting Announcements for the Fall After-School Program at Casita Maria!

Dear Families and Supporters of Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education,

As the summer comes to a close and our children return to school, we are thrilled to share some exciting news about our upcoming fall after-school program. At Casita Maria, we have always believed in the transformative power of the arts and education and, this fall, we are placing a special emphasis on expressive arts therapy, social emotional learning, and therapeutic recreation for our young participants.

Expressive arts therapy, which combines various art forms such as painting, music, dance, drama, and creative writing, has been proven to foster self-expression, emotional growth, and overall well-being. Through our Creative Youth Development program model, we aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore their feelings, develop their artistic skills, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Our team of dedicated group leaders and teaching artists will guide them through a range of creative activities designed to promote self-discovery, enhance communication skills, and cultivate a sense of self-confidence.

In addition to expressive arts therapy, social emotional learning (SEL) will be at the core of our fall program. We recognize the importance of equipping our young participants with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. Through engaging workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, we will help them develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and effective problem-solving strategies. By addressing the social and emotional needs of our children, we believe we can empower them to thrive academically, personally, and artistically.

As we looked at expressive arts and SEL, we also wondered about recreation. Physical activity and play are essential components of a child's development, and we are committed to providing opportunities for our participants to engage in recreational activities that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy living.

We invite you to join us in supporting and encouraging our young artists as they embark on this transformative journey. Together, we can create an environment that celebrates creativity, nurtures emotional well-being, and fosters personal growth. We are grateful for your unwavering support and belief in our mission to provide quality arts education and holistic development opportunities to the youth in our community.

We cannot wait to welcome your children to our fall after-school program and witness their beautiful growth throughout the year.

Thank you for being a part of the Casita Maria family. We look forward to another incredible season of artistic exploration, emotional discovery, and joyful learning.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT : ENVIRONMENTAL BEAUTIFICATION

This summer, Casita Maria campers engaged in a community service project to beautify the Hunts Point / Longwood neighborhood of the South Bronx. Their work included beautifying the physical environment of local parks with art and cleaning up public spaces.

Campers learned that neighborhood beautification can improve their quality of life. Changes in community spaces, like removing graffiti tags from walls, picking up litter and planting trees and flowers, helps to create a clean and welcoming learning environment.

Campers also learned the importance of community citizenship through their civic action, such as volunteering in the local community, developing an interest in environmental issues, and developing a strong moral code as individuals. This project allowed campers to give back, deepening their self identity and creating bonds with their peers and community.


BronX BandA featuring Arturo O’Farrill

Join us for a free concert at Bronxlandia! The ensemble will be performing Latin jazz compositions inspired by the stories of Bronx Heroes.

Friday, September 22, 2023, 5:30-7pm
Location: Bronxlandia, 910 Hunts Point Ave, Bronx

LEARN MORE


CASITA MARIA BOOK CLUB

Starting this month Casita Maria is partnering on a new bilingual (English/Spanish) and in-person Book Club facilitated by the New York Public Library at Hunts Point. We will be meeting seven times over the course of the academic year on the last Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30pm to read classic novels by Latino authors. Free books will be provided in your preferred language or both languages and refreshments will be served. A children's reading circle will also be offered for up to ten children for each session.

The first meeting date is: Wednesday, September 27

Location: Casita Maria Gallery, 928 Simpson Street, Bronx


Book One:

Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

Although only six years old, Antonio Marez is perceptive beyond his years. He was brought into the world with the help of Ultima, a curandera, or folk healer, in touch with nature and the spirit world. Ultima’s loving tutelage will help him navigate questions of life and death, good and evil, and reveal to him the vastness of the heritage that shapes him, in this pioneering work of literature.

REGISTER TODAY!


SAVE THE DATE: OPENING CELEBRATION
SEPTEMBER 28, 5:30-8PM

Casita Maria presents the solo exhibition Naturaleza Mutable by Bronx-based artist Carlos Wilfredo Encarnación, on view in the Casita Maria Gallery September 7, 2023 - March 1, 2024. The exhibition features 18 mixed media paintings and collage artworks fusing imagery from tropical flora, fauna and Puerto Rican popular and pre-colonial arts.

A free Opening Celebration will take place on Thursday, September 28, 5:30-8pm in the Casita Maria Gallery at 928 Simpson Street, 6th floor, Bronx, NY 10459. Attendees from across the City are welcome to meet the artist, view the work, and enjoy refreshments and DJ music by Delaceiba.

LEARN MORE

MEET THE STAFF AT CASITA MARIA

Meet Casita Maria’s team of professionals providing service to the community through our Arts and Education programs. Click the link below to review staff bios.

INTRODUCING TRACY FORTSON,
CASITA’S NEW DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

As a proud Bronx resident, dedicated arts and culture advocate and experienced nonprofit development professional, I am thrilled to join Casita Maria! In my role, I will focus on identifying and securing the funding needed to enhance and expand our vital and vibrant programming! I know first-hand the power of arts and culture to transform communities, so I am excited to work with current and potential supporters, donors, funders and partners to continue elevating the lives of marginalized South Bronx youth and families. Over the coming months, I will be reaching out to many of you to explore ways that your generous donations will help us continue to serve families like The Reyes’, who sent a beautiful, heartfelt thank you note to us (read below).

I hope their message of appreciation deepens your commitment to supporting Casita Maria, and that you will consider making a donation to us today! (click here). I look forward to meeting and working with you to help make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of our young people and their families in the South Bronx and beyond!

SUPPORT OUR WORK with young people and families in the Bronx and East Harlem