As part of our supporter stories series, Why P.S. ARTS, we asked Board Trustee, Sharyn Church, why she supports our arts education programs. See what she had to say about the value and power of the arts.
How and why do you support P.S. ARTS?
I have the great privilege of serving on the Board of P.S. ARTS. I firmly believe in the power of the arts to transform lives by encouraging creativity, self-expression and giving agency and voice to children and youth, especially those who are most vulnerable. I am reminded of a quote I saw once, “Art still has Truth. Take Refuge There.” P.S. ARTS does just that — gives students refuge and the opportunity to fully express themselves.
Do you have any specific memories of the arts or an arts teacher that impacted your life?
When I saw my first Charles White image. He is one of my favorite African American artists. During my masters in Art History courses, there were so few references to works by Black artists; seeing Charles White’s work was empowering and led me to build my own art collection of works by Black artists.
If you could give a P.S. ARTS students one piece of advice, what would it be?
We are all artists and creative beings!! Embrace it!
