Grant to support “Mobilizing Our Community” program
TOMS RIVER, NJ — The
National Endowment for the Arts is awarding the Jay and Linda Grunin
Center for the Arts at Ocean County College a grant
of $10,000 to support a collaboration with mobile artist Kevin
Reese called “Mobilizing Our Community.”
“All Americans should have access
to the arts,” said Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman of the National Endowment
for the Arts. “Grants such as this one the Grunin Center are an important part
of the National Endowment for the Arts’ work to ensure people in communities
both large and small across the nation have the opportunity to experience the
arts.”
“Mr. Reese is an actor, designer,
and visual artist with 40 years of experience working with young people as a
performer and artist-in-residence,” said Mark Wilson, Director of Cultural
Affairs for the Grunin Center. He is also a teacher of math, history, geometry,
and physics, which he merges with his knowledge of art and art history. “Mr.
Reese works with communities to create large permanent moving sculptures – at
schools, community centers, and art centers – inspired by participants’ designs,” Wilson added.
“This
program connects both geographically and economically disadvantaged people, who
may not have had the opportunity to participate in such a large-scale art
project.”
During this collaboration, Reese
conduct community-based workshops at OCC as well as school-based residencies to
facilitate more intensive learning opportunities. During these school visits,
he will work with students to create miniature “maquette” mobiles, installed as
part of the larger public display. As they create individual pieces, students
must learn to balance together to create a whole piece of art that will be a
legacy and will open a dialogue about the importance of art and art’s place in
a community. Students will work on life skills that include teamwork, critical
thinking, community building, confidence building, and communication skills.
“We will use this educational
tool to connect diverse communities together through arts education,” Wilson
noted.
About the Jay and Linda
Grunin Center for the Arts
The Jay and Linda Grunin Center
for the Arts, located on the campus of Ocean County College, is a performing
arts center dedicated to providing art and entertainment to Ocean County and
the Jersey Shore. Featuring premiere acts from across the globe, the Grunin
Center’s intimate venue allows patrons to experience once-in-a-lifetime from
venerated artists, hometown musicians, and unique entertainers. Music
performances of all genres, theatre, film, and dance make their way to the
Grunin Center stage each season. The Grunin Center is also the home to young
performers from various educational performing arts organizations, including
Ocean County College students from the performing arts and fine arts programs,
and the Ocean County and NJ State Teen Arts Festivals. Our Art Gallery
highlights local artists by displaying several collections throughout the year.
Additionally, the Garden State Philharmonic is the Orchestra-in-Residence. For
more information, visit grunincenter.org.
About the National
Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in
1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency
whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the
arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities.
Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal
agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts
learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage,
and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community
across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.
