Artists from Day Services joined Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District (CHSD) Prep Academy students in creating art pieces for a winter showcase. In total, 20 pieces were created by AHRC Nassau artists. The artwork ranged from large paintings to abstractly decorated glass bottles, unified under a winter wonderland theme. 

“We have marvelously talented artists across our agency and our goal was to work on a collaborative project that celebrated everyone’s talents,” said Assistant Director Patrick Sherrard. “It also enhances our partnership with the Prep Academy.”

For the past few years, Prep Academy students have been visiting the Wheatley Farms & Arts Center to learn about available Day Services options. During the daylong visits they take on activities including planting, arts and crafts, and tending to animals at the farm. The current partnership with Prep Academy extends to a weekly mentorship class between Day Services attendees and students.

“We hold classes there along with other agencies,” said Assistant Director Bridget Burlak. “Our art instructor taught students over the winter; they created the glass bottles that were displayed in the show.” 

Art Instructor Arielle Dugue leads classes at the art center, guiding people in Day Services through a variety of creative projects. Under her tutelage, artists have crafted picture frames with recycled materials, transformed water jugs into pumpkins for fall, and even tried their hand at sculpting. Arielle is keen on ensuring her projects are creative, seasonally relevant, and accessible. The pieces of art can take one to several sessions to complete, and artists always leave with a sense of satisfaction and a treasure to keep or share as a gift.

AHRC Nassau artists created their pieces at their site location and submitted them to the school for display. The project began in October of 2024 and all pieces were completed by December. The exhibition took place at Brookside Educational Center North Merrick in the last week of February with all pieces available for sale.

“It was wonderful because artists were able to see their work displayed,” said Bridget. “We had a very nice experience, and the school staff bought some of the pieces.”

AHRC activity specialists scheduled visits for people in Day Services to see each other’s art. People from 40 Day Services sites travelled with their support staff to see the exhibit. They marveled at each other’s work and took pictures next to their favorites.

“Hopefully, it’s the first of many collaborative projects,” said Patrick.