Lower Manhattan Development Corporation - ART FOR HEART PROGRAM LAUNCHED

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Press Release

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 19, 2003	www.RenewNYC.org

Contact: Nancy Poderycki/Michele McManus

(212) 962-2300

ART FOR HEART PROGRAM LAUNCHED

The <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Lower Manhattan Development Corporation today announced Art for Heart, a communal art program for children who lost a parent in the February 26, 1993 or September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The program offers the children an opportunity to paint their artistic expressions on canvas, and participate in an emotionally healing process. Art for Heart was conceived by Ali Millard who, <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

lost her stepfather Neil Levin on September 11, 2001. The program is coordinated by the 92^nd Street Y in Manhattan.

On Sunday, June 1, 2003, community centers in Manhattan, New Jersey and Long Island will open their doors from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to the victims' children and families. Art professionals will supervise and assist the children as they work using acrylic paints to design one square foot of canvas. On Thursday, September 11, 2003, the community centers will again host the special gathering for children and families to complete their individual works. The LMDC's Family Room, located adjacent to the World Trade Center site, will also host Art for Heart on September 11, 2003. When all the squares of the canvas are finished, they will be sewn together into a large quilt-like piece. The artwork will then be made available for display at schools, art centers and museums nationwide.

Kevin M. Rampe, LMDC Interim President, said, "We hope that this experience will give those children who have lost a parent in these horrific attacks a chance to come together with their community in a safe and supportive environment. The Art for Heart program will give children and families a positive opportunity to personally contribute to a lasting memorial to their loved ones."

Robert Gilson, Director of the 92^nd Street Y School of the Arts, said, "Both the 92^nd Street Y and our partner Jewish community centers -- the Sid Jacobson JCC in Long Island and the Metro West JCC in New Jersey -- which are also opening up their doors to these young people, are proud to participate in Art for Heart. We have no doubt that it will be an important means of helping the youngest victims of 9/11 continue the healing process."

Ali Millard, the creator of Art for Heart, said, "I strongly believe that art can help to heal the soul. Not only will this project serve as an opportunity for the children to express and enjoy themselves, but also to come together with other children, just like them, and to confront their feelings in a safe and supportive environment."

Program locations listed below include the 92^nd Street Y, the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center in Long Island and the Jewish Community Center MetroWest in New Jersey. Supplies and treats will be contributed by Toys 'R' Us and Krispy Kreme.