ArtWorks Celebrates 10 Years of Children Expressing Themselves Through the Arts

Nov. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Montclair, NJ: On November 11th, 2012 ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation, will present its 10th Annual Express Yourself-New Jersey event at The Montclair Art Museum.

Express Yourself is a creative and performing art exhibition that provides children and young adults suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and their siblings, with the open and loving forum to express themselves through the arts. In a safe environment, filled with families, friends, healthcare specialists and ArtWorks supporters, these children sing, dance, recite poetry, play instruments and stand proudly by their works of art.

Participants spend months preparing for the Express Yourself event which provides them with a much needed creative outlet and gives them something to look forward to and work towards, taking the focus away from the pain and sorrow of the illness. At Express Yourself-NJ 2012, 97 artists and performers, ages 1-20, from participating New Jersey healthcare agencies will display their creative masterpieces.

This year’s artwork includes 115 amazing paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The show will also highlight over 20 performances featuring singing, dancing, readings, and instrumental compositions. In addition to artwork and performances by our inspiring participants, Express Yourself-NY 2012 will also include art activities and refreshments for all attendees as well as gift bags and certificates of participation for all children and young adults who participate in the event. Special performances from Meaningful Movements and Deep Treble will also highlight this special day.

Participating agencies in Express Yourself-NY 2012 include:

·         Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Hospital

·         Matheny Medical and Educational Center

·         PSE&G Children's Specialized Hospital

·         Saint Barnabas Medical Center

·         Saint Peter's University Hospital

·         St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital

·         The University Hospital

ABOUT ARTWORKS, THE NAOMI COHAIN FOUNDATION:

Founded in 2002, ArtWorks provides children and young adults suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and their siblings, access to creative and performing arts programs that encourage the use of the creative process as a vehicle for healing, communication, self-expression and personal development. ArtWorks seeks to empower, validate, and honor these children by offering them the hands-on experience and materials with which to create, as well as the opportunity to publicly share their artistic accomplishments.

For more information please contact:   Katherine Kelly, Administrative Coordinator, Phone: 201-608-0146  Fax: 201-608-0148  E-mail: katherine@artworksfoundation.org