On Thursday, February 27, the Jefferson Arts Project, a ministry of St. Stephen & St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, hosted a vibrant and inspiring art show featuring the work of talented 2nd-grade students from PS5 in Brooklyn. This special event marked the culmination of months of artistic exploration led by Ebony Haynes, a renowned Black art educator and gallery director, with support from youth leader Dominique Hayes.
The project, funded by Episcopal Ministries of Long Island, was created to provide young children with an expressive outlet through visual art. With arts funding decreasing in schools, this initiative bridged the gap—bringing together church and community to nurture creativity and self-expression.
For forty minutes each week, students immersed themselves in the world of abstract art, drawing inspiration from the bold, colorful works of Alma Thomas. Ms. Haynes encouraged them to embrace their individuality, reinforcing the powerful message that in art, “there is no wrong answer.”
The grand showcase was a joyful celebration, as proud young artists shared their masterpieces with family, friends, and community leaders. Among the attendees was Mary Beth Welsh, Executive Director of EMLI, who praised the event, saying, "The quality of the student work was exceptional! But even more inspiring was the sheer joy and excitement of the young artists, along with the overwhelming pride of their parents and families.”
Each of the twenty young artists beamed with pride as they received special gifts in honor of their work. The event was not just an exhibition—it was a testament to the power of art, community, and the boundless creativity of young minds.
Principal Gates was so enthusiastic about the program that she has already been in conversation with the committee from St. Stephen and St. Martin about expanding the program next year.
