The Nicholas Center Presents “Keep Our Sea Plastic Free” Art Exhibit

The Nicholas Center Presents “Keep Our Sea Plastic Free” Art Exhibit At Westchester Children’s Museum Opening Day July 30

Opening day & PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: July 30, 11:30am Exhibit unveiling, remarks with Westchester County Public Officials, The Nicholas Center and Westchester Children’s Museum Leadership and Celebration of the Artists

The Nicholas Center, an organization revolutionizing the way autistic young adults learn, live and work in the community, announces the opening of “Keep Our Sea Plastic Free,” a special art exhibit created exclusively for the Westchester Children’s Museum. The innovative exhibit, created by the talented, autistic young adults from The Nicholas Center (TNC), transforms discarded materials into colorful sea creatures and underwater scenes, sending a powerful message about environmental responsibility. The exhibit will be unveiled on Wednesday, July 30, at 11:30am, at the Lavan Family Gallery at Westchester Children’s Museum.

The exhibit transforms the Lavan Gallery into an undersea environment and is example of creativity, inclusion and community service. The TNC artists sourced and cleaned discarded materials, crafted the message and designed each piece of art. With an emphasis on experimentation, exploration and discovery, the artists were invited to embrace spontaneity, chance and unexpected results.

The exhibit grows out of an ongoing partnership between The Nicholas Center and the Westchester Children’s Museum in which TNC participants volunteer as Museum Playworkers, gaining valuable vocational experiences. They engage with children through reading, music, and movement activities, and maintain and organize play stations to ensure a clean, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for all visitors. Recently, TNC volunteers collaborated with the Museum on the Disconnect 2 Reconnect project—a County-wide initiative that encourages play and interaction as alternatives to screentime. TNC participants collated and packed over 1,000 activity bags designed to encourage quality, screen-free family time.

“It was a joy to create this project with the autistic young adults of The Nicholas Center. The exhibit presents a powerful message and the opportunity to share perspectives of an often-marginalized population. We all have something to offer and share! “

– Stephanie Sweeney, Supported Employment Coordinator, The Nicholas Center

“The Westchester Children’s Museum could not be more excited about this partnership and this exhibit, both for its environmental messaging but also for the deepening of our relationship with The Nicholas Center,” says Katie Vernace, Vice President of the Museum’s Board of Directors. “The partnership offers opportunity, connection to community and engagement for The Nicholas Center participants, as well as hope, positivity, and a better understanding of autism for our museum visitors. It is totally aligned with our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space for all.”

The Nicholas Center (TNC) is revolutionizing the way autistic individuals learn, live and work in the community through vocational training, supported employment and meaningful

community projects and partnerships. TNC offers opportunity and hope to a population facing 85% unemployment and under engagement. tncnewyork.org

Westchester Children’s Museum
The Westchester Children’s Museum is a vibrant, interactive learning space providing children, families, and school groups the opportunity to nurture curiosity, enhance knowledge and ignite imagination through creative hands-on exploration. The Museum is committed to broadening knowledge of arts and sciences in a playful learning environment. The Museum is located on the Playland Beach Boardwalk in the historic landmark North Bathhouse. www.discoverwcm.org/