NEWARK, N.J. – Young artists from across Newark took center stage Wednesday during the culminating performance and exhibition of the Newark Public Schools’ Summer Visual & Performing Arts Academy at Rafael Hernandez Elementary School. 

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade shared what they learned through live dance and musical theatre performances and an exhibition of original 2-D and 3-D artwork. The celebration gave families an opportunity to see the creativity, confidence and artistic skills students developed throughout the summer program. 

“Our students reminded us that the arts are an essential part of a great education and they continue to be alive in Newark,” Superintendent León said. “Through dance, theatre, music and visual art, children discover their voices, strengthen their confidence and learn how to collaborate with others. We are proud to provide experiences that allow Newark’s young people to recognize their talents and imagine where those talents can take them.”

The five-week summer program brought together children from neighborhoods and schools across the city for instruction in dance, musical theatre and visual art. Students also participated in enrichment experiences that extended their learning beyond the classroom.

Children in kindergarten through second grade visited Kean University for a theatre experience. Students also visited the Greater Newark Conservancy for observational drawing activities and learned about entrepreneurship by designing labels and logos and creating their own fragrances with a local business.

Students in grades three through eight explored songwriting and music production through Record High at the Prudential Center. Teaching artists worked with students in grades three through five at Rafael Hernandez, while students in grades six through eight visited the Prudential Center to write songs and produce original music. The finished work was featured during Wednesday’s performance.

“This summer arts program reflects our commitment to educating the whole child and making meaningful opportunities available to students throughout Newark,” Board of Education President Hasani K. Council said. “The talent displayed by these young artists was extraordinary, but equally impressive was the courage, discipline and teamwork behind every performance and work of art. I congratulate the students, their families and the educators who made this experience possible.”

Each student received a Certificate of Artistic Excellence recognizing their talent in dance, musical theatre and visual art and their participation in the academy’s culminating exhibition and performance.

Devonne DeNose, Director of the Office of Visual & Performing Arts, thanked the families for believing in the program and giving their children the opportunity to participate.

“I wanted to see children from across our city coming together, and that is exactly what we had here,” DeNose said. “The arts are universal. They unite us all. Our students wrote music, created art, performed and explored new possibilities. Look at what they accomplished. Their families made the right choice by saying yes to this experience.”

DeNose also recognized the summer program’s teachers and support staff for creating a program that welcomed students at every grade level and provided opportunities for them to learn from teaching artists, visit cultural and educational institutions and explore the connection between creativity and entrepreneurship.

She encouraged families to share their experiences with neighbors and relatives so that even more young artists can participate next summer.

“There is another child in our city who is just as talented and creative, and we want that child with us next summer,” DeNose said. “We want every family to know that there is a place here for their child to create, perform, learn and shine.”