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My name is Jude Harzer.
I am an artist and educator living and working in New Jersey. I've been very fortunate to have had, from the time I was a child, a crazy, overwhelming desire to create. Everyday, I appreciate what a privilege it is to make my living as a practicing artist and visual art educator. In recent years , I have more seriously considered the power of art to unite community and inspire connections . In Brick Memorial High School where I teach, I currently advise a rapidly growing student Mural Arts program. In the past three years young artists have painted our halls with images addressing school spirit, breast cancer awareness, animal advocacy , character education and more !
So here is my reason for initiating a GO FUND ME!
I want to instruct the painting of a public mural in Jamaica with the children from the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club that will be designed by my New Jersey high school students! This collaborative would serve to unify the ideas and energy of young people from two very different "worlds" , resulting in the creation of a meaningful public work of art!
Here is how this initiative unfolded!
A few months ago, I was introduced by a beloved friend, to the most dynamic and passionate of women, Ms. Marcella Bafaty . Dedicated to a life of service, Ms. Bafaty is a New Jersey based nurse , social worker, medical missionary and the founder of a non-profit camp for boys and girls in her native island country of Jamaica. Celebrating its 10th year, "the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club is a social, not-for-profit organization committed to improving the well-being of the youths in Queenhythe and surrounding communities. For the past decade, relying solely on donations, volunteers and on her own monies and labor, Ms. Bafaty has created a very special 3 week summer camp for nearly 100 youths, where they can safely learn to "serve each other and their communities to become productive and empowered adults and community members."
For many of these children, participation in this camp provides cultural and personal enrichment that might not otherwise be experienced. https://m.facebook.com/Queenhythe-Boys-and-Girls-Club-138381286221967/
I was incredibly impressed with Ms. Batafy's eloquence, energy and sense of purpose. During our introduction, she extended an invitation to visit the camp and witness the community first hand. After further discussion, it became clear that this was a wonderful opportunity to create and share art beyond the studio, classroom and school halls and to involve my own students in the planning and creation process of a mural to be painted in Jamaica.
Upon returning to school, I immediately proposed to my students, the possibility of designing a mural based on "PEACE" or "RECYCLING and ENVIRONMENTALISM", two important concerns of the residents in this island community. I explained that they would create a refined concept for a site specific mural design . Then, during the third week in July of 2018, I would visit Jamaica and work directly with the young artists from the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club to paint this mural in a community space using their original art. Needless to say, my students were both inspired and excited! The work is currently underway!
So I am reaching out for your support to help raise funds to make this project a reality! I plan to travel to Jamaica for one week and to provide all necessary materials and instruction to fully execute the student mural. Many of these children have never painted, nor do they have the media with which to create. Paints, brushes, paper, containers, smocks and other items are on the list for purchase and need to be shipped by early June so that they arrive in time for use at the camp. I also intend to teach the little ones the basics of painting and hopefully provide a whole lot of love and joy while I'm at it!
For me, Art is not a luxury but a necessity! I was raised by a visually impaired, single parent of 6 children who relied on welfare to feed us. I genuinely understand that not everyone has the means to afford art materials or the precious time and space within which to create. Daily survival , for some, doesn't always allow for such "non-essentials" ! But I also know firsthand that the beauty of our environment has the power to elevate our minds and spirits! Art has the capacity to heal, inspire and create connection. I hope that you will consider contributing whatever you are able, to help me bring the magic of painting with purpose to the young artists of the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club in Jamaica and to to leave a bit of beauty behind created by all of these young artists! Along the way, I will document and share the process and progress of our efforts!
On behalf of all the students, Ms. Batafy and myself, I would like to thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
In light of my proposal, it seemed relevant to share this quote by Randy I. Cohen, Vice President of Research and Policy for Americans for the Arts. It aptly conveys the importance of Art to our human experience.
"The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts help us express our values, build bridges between cultures, and bring us together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or age. When times are tough, art is salve for the ache."
Thank you with all my heart !
Jude
Brick Memorial High School student Azariah, applying some finishing touches!
Senior Morgan painting her original design ! Morgan will be leading the initiative to design a mural for the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club in Jamaica!
Senior Elizabeth VanPelt painting on behalf of our mural project.
Madison and Evan , Brick Memorial High School seniors, working on Evan's Skater logo sticker design mural.
I am an artist and educator living and working in New Jersey. I've been very fortunate to have had, from the time I was a child, a crazy, overwhelming desire to create. Everyday, I appreciate what a privilege it is to make my living as a practicing artist and visual art educator. In recent years , I have more seriously considered the power of art to unite community and inspire connections . In Brick Memorial High School where I teach, I currently advise a rapidly growing student Mural Arts program. In the past three years young artists have painted our halls with images addressing school spirit, breast cancer awareness, animal advocacy , character education and more !
So here is my reason for initiating a GO FUND ME!
I want to instruct the painting of a public mural in Jamaica with the children from the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club that will be designed by my New Jersey high school students! This collaborative would serve to unify the ideas and energy of young people from two very different "worlds" , resulting in the creation of a meaningful public work of art!
Here is how this initiative unfolded!
A few months ago, I was introduced by a beloved friend, to the most dynamic and passionate of women, Ms. Marcella Bafaty . Dedicated to a life of service, Ms. Bafaty is a New Jersey based nurse , social worker, medical missionary and the founder of a non-profit camp for boys and girls in her native island country of Jamaica. Celebrating its 10th year, "the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club is a social, not-for-profit organization committed to improving the well-being of the youths in Queenhythe and surrounding communities. For the past decade, relying solely on donations, volunteers and on her own monies and labor, Ms. Bafaty has created a very special 3 week summer camp for nearly 100 youths, where they can safely learn to "serve each other and their communities to become productive and empowered adults and community members."
For many of these children, participation in this camp provides cultural and personal enrichment that might not otherwise be experienced. https://m.facebook.com/Queenhythe-Boys-and-Girls-Club-138381286221967/
I was incredibly impressed with Ms. Batafy's eloquence, energy and sense of purpose. During our introduction, she extended an invitation to visit the camp and witness the community first hand. After further discussion, it became clear that this was a wonderful opportunity to create and share art beyond the studio, classroom and school halls and to involve my own students in the planning and creation process of a mural to be painted in Jamaica.
Upon returning to school, I immediately proposed to my students, the possibility of designing a mural based on "PEACE" or "RECYCLING and ENVIRONMENTALISM", two important concerns of the residents in this island community. I explained that they would create a refined concept for a site specific mural design . Then, during the third week in July of 2018, I would visit Jamaica and work directly with the young artists from the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club to paint this mural in a community space using their original art. Needless to say, my students were both inspired and excited! The work is currently underway!
So I am reaching out for your support to help raise funds to make this project a reality! I plan to travel to Jamaica for one week and to provide all necessary materials and instruction to fully execute the student mural. Many of these children have never painted, nor do they have the media with which to create. Paints, brushes, paper, containers, smocks and other items are on the list for purchase and need to be shipped by early June so that they arrive in time for use at the camp. I also intend to teach the little ones the basics of painting and hopefully provide a whole lot of love and joy while I'm at it!
For me, Art is not a luxury but a necessity! I was raised by a visually impaired, single parent of 6 children who relied on welfare to feed us. I genuinely understand that not everyone has the means to afford art materials or the precious time and space within which to create. Daily survival , for some, doesn't always allow for such "non-essentials" ! But I also know firsthand that the beauty of our environment has the power to elevate our minds and spirits! Art has the capacity to heal, inspire and create connection. I hope that you will consider contributing whatever you are able, to help me bring the magic of painting with purpose to the young artists of the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club in Jamaica and to to leave a bit of beauty behind created by all of these young artists! Along the way, I will document and share the process and progress of our efforts!
On behalf of all the students, Ms. Batafy and myself, I would like to thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
In light of my proposal, it seemed relevant to share this quote by Randy I. Cohen, Vice President of Research and Policy for Americans for the Arts. It aptly conveys the importance of Art to our human experience.
"The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts help us express our values, build bridges between cultures, and bring us together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or age. When times are tough, art is salve for the ache."
Thank you with all my heart !
Jude
Brick Memorial High School student Azariah, applying some finishing touches!
Senior Morgan painting her original design ! Morgan will be leading the initiative to design a mural for the Queenhythe Boys and Girls Club in Jamaica!Senior Elizabeth VanPelt painting on behalf of our mural project.
Madison and Evan , Brick Memorial High School seniors, working on Evan's Skater logo sticker design mural.