NAIL Project 2013

Just as flowers bloom in our city, so does the art.

A portion of Historic St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Downtown Newark, was transformed into a bustling art gallery this past Saturday, June 1. Newark Art Integrated into Literacy (NAIL) Project in collaboration with Newark Public Schools Office of Visual & Performing Arts (OVPA) had their annual Art and Literacy Exhibit/End of Year Celebration. The exhibit featured art and literacy work from student participants in the NAIL Project, as well as artwork by various Newark Public School Students ranging from grades kindergarten to eighth grade. The event was also an awards ceremony that honored dedicated teachers and principals participating in the NAIL Project.

It is key to note the importance of a program like NAIL for Newark Public Schools. While so many arts programs are being removed from curriculums across the country, the Department of Education has done the contrary by endowing Newark Public School Educators with the resources they need to further improve literacy learning and comprehension through the use of visual arts amongst second and third graders. Schools participating in this groundbreaking program are: Ann Street, First Avenue, Ivy Hill Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Miller Street, and Mount Vernon School.

Please stop in to view the work of these amazingly talented children. The exhibit will be on display at St John's Roman Catholic Church (22 Mulberry Street, Newark) throughout the week. For more information about arts and literacy, please visit their facebook page, "Newark Art Integrated into Literacy Project."