Help Special Teaching Artist, Alex Shapiro and His Students

My name is Anita Romero Warren. The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is a special place for me, professionally and personally. For more than 50 years, it has been a haven of creativity for the communities of SEQ. While working there, I met many amazing, talented, dedicated, selfless, caring artists, dancers, musicians, parents, students, and co-workers. My boys grew up there; it is a place they treasure for the fond memories and deep friendships they developed. It was our home away from home.

One of those incredible people is Alexander Shapiro, a member of the JCAL faculty for the past 29+ years. An artist who teaches in NYC schools, he has developed a special connection with JCAL. He is a humble, gentle soul, with immense talent and a profound passion for the arts.

For nearly three decades, Alex has been a guiding light for young students attending JCAL cartooning and animation classes. His gentle encouragement, calm style, and boundless creativity have touched the hearts and minds of young JCAL students, inspiring them to discover their artistic voices and confidently pursue their dreams.

On a recent visit to JCAL, I stopped by Mr. Alex's class. As I enjoyed watching these budding young cartoonists, my heart dropped when I noticed they were still using equipment from 15 years ago when I worked there. I asked him how he managed, and he responded in a self-deprecating manner that he makes it work. This is a common challenge for small arts organizations, like JCAL, who have to focus on the most expenses; they do not have the luxury of keeping up with trends, especially technology.

I was inspired to take action. Like many teachers, Alex uses his equipment and resources to provide his students with the best experience. We can make a difference by raising funds to support a teacher who has worked tirelessly to inspire his students. Technology is a crucial tool in teaching and learning, and unfortunately, the current equipment is outdated and in need of an upgrade. Reaching our goal will allow us to provide the following:

(1) Promethean LX 65" Interactive Display Smartboard

(8) iPads 9th generation

(1) 12-Device Charging Station for Laptops and Tablets, Wall-Mount Lockable Charging Cabinet

(1) iPad Tripod Stand

Your support would mean the world to Alex Shapiro: and his present and future students, allowing him to continue impacting young artists' lives. Thank you in advance for your donation and generosity. Let's come together and make this happen!

"I have taught all over New York City and Northern California, and I have never worked with such consistently focused, polite, committed students and parents. These are kids who WANT TO BE THERE. They WANT to learn. And they have parents that will get up early on a Saturday morning, after a long work week, and schlep their kid to JCAL, on a bus or a train, or struggle to find parking, so their kid can learn to draw, paint, create ceramics, play piano, to act, or dance, and become a more completely educated, well-rounded, cultured human being. Those folks, those families, are my heroes. I have seen students who were mere babies when they were in my class, grow up to be successful individuals who are grateful for what JCAL gave to them as students. Nothing can be more rewarding" Alexander Shapiro: artist ~teacher ~writer