An art program for children inspired by Abstract Expressionist artists and their techniques — Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Brice Marden and especially the squeegee paintings of Gerhard Richter.
Begun in 2012, Astor’s “Paint What You Feel” art series uses abstract expressionist art to help emotionally charged children release their emotions in a productive, confidence-building way.
The Squeegee Shall Set You Free
Patrick Madden, artist and creator of the program, explains:
“We try to take these kids’ worst disadvantage and turn it into their biggest advantage — they have an unlimited supply of emotional torque, or from an artist’s perspective, fuel. My job is to help them get those feelings onto the canvas. Abstract expressionism has shown us the way, especially Gerhard Richter’s squeegee paintings. The heck with what it looks like. I care more about what the painting feels like.
‘Don’t paint a bird,’ I tell the kids, ‘Paint what it feels like to …
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Adopt-A-Family 2013 is Underway Now
November 2013
Each year, Astor’s holiday Adopt-A-Family program helps many of Astor’s neediest children and families enjoy a better holiday season.
This year we’ve added even more ways that you can help. What better way is there to celebrate the season? Please join us — get started right now!
Astor Family Magazine – Fall 2013 Issue is Here
October 2013
Read the latest issue of Astor Family Magazine
You can find this issue available throughout our area, or read the online version here »
“In any year, between 13% and 20% of children in our country experience a ‘mental disorder.’
Emotional and behavioral struggles in American youth include the significant presence of substance use and abuse, risk-taking behaviors, and suicide. At Astor Services for Children and Families, we know these struggles well and are committed to walking the road with …
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Memory Wall
Here we would like to share success stories and heartwarming notes we receive from the families we serve. Hearing the positive impact Astor has made on the lives of children and their families is a rewarding part of the work that we do.
Please click on the images to enlarge.
To the right is a poem written by Gregory Ford, a former alumnus, who was a student at our residential facility in Rhinebeck. He sent this poem via e-mail the night prior to our Homecoming event.
To the left is a letter written by a mother who was assisted by our Adopt-a-Family Program. Thanks to our generous donors, more than 1,500 children and families had a beautiful holiday season.
To the right is a beautiful painting made by one of Astor’s students, Priscilla. Some of her work was featured in our “Paint What You Feel Art Series.”
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Sure, it was in the spirit of the season and we could just as easily tell you he had learned the lesson of giving, but we think there was something else going on here. This child was giving back to Astor, telling us how important the school is to him. It was his humble way of saying thank you.
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In this short video, Astor Services for Children and Families’ Artist in Residence Kevin Rifenburg speaks about Astor’s Expressive Arts Program.
“The Expressive Arts Program here at Astor involves children coming into a space where they use various mediums to explore and create a non-verbal way to express themselves.”
Expressive Arts Program
For more than 30 years, Astor has used art to aide in the healing of traumatized children in our Rhinebeck facility. Astor’s Expressive Arts Program encourages children to enter a creative space where they receive guidance and artistic support to “say” what cannot always be said with words. Without inhibitions, the kids enter the studio for an exciting experience. Children are able to build their confidence with painting, as well as share their thoughts and feelings pertaining to their day. The children begin with a blank canvas and the paint strokes start a dialogue. The ongoing effort becomes a …
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In this short video, Astor Services for Children and Families’ Artist in Residence Kevin Rifenburg speaks about Astor’s Expressive Arts Program.
“The Expressive Arts Program here at Astor involves children coming into a space where they use various mediums to explore and create a non-verbal way to express themselves.”
Healing Expressive Arts Program
For more than 30 years, Astor has used art to aide in the healing of traumatized children in our Rhinebeck facility. Astor’s Healing Expressive Arts Program encourages children to enter a creative space where they receive guidance and artistic support to “say” what cannot always be said with words. Without inhibitions, the kids enter the studio for an exciting experience. Children are able to build their confidence with painting, as well as share their thoughts and feelings pertaining to their day. The children begin with a blank canvas and the paint strokes start a dialogue. The ongoing effort becomes a …
Read the complete post…
