Volunteering through art

Many visitors to Agora Gallery will remember Nellie. She’s one of our friendly gallery assistants, and our Exhibition Coordinator. Art is an important part of her life and interests, and that doesn’t stop at her professional role. For some time now, Nellie has been volunteering at Art-Start, a wonderful local organization we’ve mentioned on this blog before. This post is what she has to say about her experience.

Guest post by Nellie Scott

Mentoring is one of the best gifts you can give to a child. When given a new set of tools, their young minds expand with a flood of inspiration and purpose. It’s as if you poured water onto a piece of paper, and before your eyes, it suddenly grew into the tree it used to be. It’s been said many times, in many different ways, but the youth of today ensure that our world’s tomorrow is bright and colorful. In 2009, I joined the Art-Start volunteer family and since have enjoyed every moment spent with the children. This unique organization works with non-profit shelters and group homes throughout the New York City area, providing workshops for transitional and homeless youth between the ages of 6 and 21.

Currently, I assist with “Music Night,” which might be surprising to some, since my background is primarily in Art. However, as my close friends and family know, I’m wildly passionate about music and am constantly in the process of creating “The Best Mix Ever.” My musical career began by playing the viola in the fourth grade, but a bad case of stage fright soon ended any chance of a rock n’ roll lifestyle.

Most evenings, I’m learning right along with the children and sometimes, they are teaching me.  A few nights ago a young boy and I sat down to learn a song for the evening. As we began, without missing a single note, he eagerly played Lean on Me by Bill Withers. We had worked on the song the week prior, which means he had mastered and retained the ability to play the song perfectly then, without any practice for 7 days.

I’m sure it is no surprise, but studies show that Music and Art participation yield high benefits for a child’s cognitive development. Children who cultivate music or artistic skills show better concentration, coordination and self-confidence. This is especially true of children who live in an at-risk environment. Creative stimuli helps underprivileged children work through complex emotions, while revitalizing a sense of self worth and independence. Art-Start concentrates on building a secure, consistent and intimate atmosphere, where volunteers foster relationships, establishing trust and confidence in the children they serve.

Living in New York can certainly change your perspective of the world; you find yourself wanting things fast and now. Once a week the children of Art-Start teach me that, sometimes, you just have to reevaluate what is really important, take a deep breath and laugh at yourself. That is why I am proud to announce that on August 17th, our 25th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Exhibition opened its doors to the public. As part of our ongoing commitment to giving back to the community that we live and work in, Agora Gallery donates 25% of its proceeds from the sale of artwork from the exhibition to Art-Start.

Do you have any similar experiences? Share them in the comments!