The Word Wand - WEUSI Artmaking Workshop
2025-05-08 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
The Word Wand
Thursday, May 8
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
All ages (an adult must accompany children; no drop-off)
Suggested donation of $5-12, or pay what you can
Registration is required to participate: Sign up

In this workshop, participants create a word wand to inspire them to develop practices that transform negative thinking and construct healthy, supportive thoughts. This symbolic art tool has precedence in Native American and African spiritual practices. The workshop closes with a ritual and blessing incorporating the participants’ newly created word wand.

About the facilitators:

Deborah Singletary
Deborah Singletary’s artwork has appeared in the New Yorker, “ New Women “ Magazine, The New York Daily News, Painting From The Source (Harper Collins ), Making What Your Means Can’t Buy ( Vision Carriers Press ) and Art’s Buoyant Felicity: An Anthology Art/Creativity Healing (Evolutionary Girls ). She was included in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s major show, “ Black New York Artist of The 20th Century. “
Much of Deborah’s artwork is inspired by her southern and African roots. She is sought after for her paintings, assemblages and word wands. Deborah’s recent exhibition credits include: WEUSI: Evolution of a Revolution (Akwaaba Gallery, Newark, N.J.), Black Joy and Resilience ( Calabar Gallery Harlem, N.Y. ), American HooDoo and Southern Black American-Centric Spiritual Ways ( Rush Gallery New York, N.Y. ), Her story: Voice, Vision & Memory ( LeRoy Neiman Art Center Harlem, N.Y.) and On the Matter of Water ( Kenkeleba Gallery New York, N.Y.).
Utilizing her passion and art in her work as an interfaith minister, Deborah’s work helps pierce the veil separating us from our true selves. As a painter and multimedia artist, her warm spirit and personality have inspired many to put their hidden artistic talents on display. She says, “ For me, making art is a spiritual path and being an artist is having a love story”

Jennifer Ivey
Jennifer was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens. She has experienced NYC from a very different urban setting. Her first formal introduction to the art world was attending the Brooklyn Museum Children’s Art program.
“But I attribute my gift for creating through my father’s passion for theatre and my passion for an eclectic home environment which included original oil paintings by other young artists,” she stated.
Jennifer was educated in NYC’s finest public schools and graduated from Pratt Institute with a BA in art education. At Pratt Institute, she studied with William T. Williams and as a graduate student, she studied with Anthony Tone at the New School. Jennifer has taught art in the public school system and worked as an art consultant.
Jennifer has experimented with multi-medium design. She has made puppets for theatre and feathered jewelry for entertainer Nina Simone and on-air personality Melba Toliver.
She continues to find a fascination for facial expressions of people in groups in old photographs and uses them in her artwork. She has exhibited with Black Women of Brooklyn and other environs, is a member of the Long Island Black Artist Association and Blacker Than Thou Cross Culture.
Jennifer and her husband Rod have two sons. Royal is an NBA coach and Sterling is a health care worker. Moving from Harlem, they now residue in the laid-back community of Hollis, NY, one of the breeding grounds of Hip Hop.

Easy! Watercolor - for Families with Children
2025-05-10 15:00 - 16:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Join us for an afternoon of exploring watercolor painting. There are various techniques to work with, and each workshop will introduce you to simple methods to experiment with, as well as fun ways to incorporate watercolor paint, ink, pencils, and markers.

Watercolor painting can help you relax and reset your mind, or serve as a visual journal for expressing feelings that words may not fully convey. The facilitator will share her insights and ideas for activities you can do at home.
We offer two workshops: a family session from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and an adult-only session from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The workshop will be held at Children’s Art Carnival at 62 Hamilton Place, New York, NY 10031

The 2nd Saturday of every month
February 1 – Using Stencils ((due to schedule conflict, it will be the first Saturday just for February)
March 8 – Blending Colors on Paper
April 11 – Transparent Layers
May 10 – Portrait Hack
June 14 – Painting circles with bottles and cups
Family with children: 3pm to 4pm (children must be accompanied with an adult, no drop-off)
Online registration is required to participate: Register Now
Free, or pay what-you-can donation

Easy! Watercolor Workshop and all programs at The Children’s Art Carnival are made possible with funding from West Harlem Development Corporation, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the Ruth Foundation for The Arts and donations from New York Film Academy and Hamilton Heights community and beyond.

About the facilitator:
Tomo Mori is a native of Japan and a West Harlem-based artist who focuses on fiber art installation and collage.
Tomo learned watercolor rigorously under a master watercolorist from age 14 to 15 to enroll herself at Tokyo Metropolitan High School for Music and Fine Art, and she was accepted to the school with a perfect score.
Watercolor is not central to her current art practice; however, she uses the skill to sketch her ideas or keep a visual journal. When she paints watercolor, she finds freedom, lighting her spirit. Perhaps because they are just sketches, or the medium is easy to manage. Through these workshops she wants to share the joy and therapeutic nature of watercolor painting.
Tomo’s work has been exhibited in various venues like Columbia University, Scope Miami, Laundromat Project, Rush Arts Galleries, Governors Island, Newark Museum, Christie’s and Swann Auction Galleries. She received a commission from MTA and completed a laminated glass and metal installation in 2018. She participated in the Winter Workspace Residency at Wave Hill in early 2023. She is currently working as a studio artist at the Children’s Art Carnival.

Easy! Watercolor - for Adults
2025-05-10 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-06-14 16:30 - 17:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Join us for an afternoon of exploring watercolor painting. There are various techniques to work with, and each workshop will introduce you to simple methods to experiment with, as well as fun ways to incorporate watercolor paint, ink, pencils, and markers.
Watercolor painting can help you relax and reset your mind, or serve as a visual journal for expressing feelings that words may not fully convey. The facilitator will share her insights and ideas for activities you can do at home.
We offer two workshops: a family session from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and an adult-only session from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The workshop will be held at Children’s Art Carnival at 62 Hamilton Place, New York, NY 10031

The 2nd Saturday of every month
March 8 – Blending Colors on Paper
April 11 – Transparent Layers
May 10 – Portrait Hack
June 14 – Painting circles with bottles and cups
Adults only: 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Online registration is required to participate: Register Now
Fee: Suggested donation $5-10, or pay what-you-can

Easy! Watercolor Workshop and all programs at The Children’s Art Carnival are made possible with funding from West Harlem Development Corporation, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the Ruth Foundation for The Arts and donations from New York Film Academy and Hamilton Heights community and beyond.

About the facilitator:
Tomo Mori is a native of Japan and a West Harlem-based artist who focuses on fiber art installation and collage.
Tomo learned watercolor rigorously under a master watercolorist from age 14 to 15 to enroll herself at Tokyo Metropolitan High School for Music and Fine Art, and she was accepted to the school with a perfect score.
Watercolor is not central to her current art practice; however, she uses the skill to sketch her ideas or keep a visual journal. When she paints watercolor, she finds freedom, lighting her spirit. Perhaps because they are just sketches, or the medium is easy to manage. Through these workshops she wants to share the joy and therapeutic nature of watercolor painting.
Tomo’s work has been exhibited in various venues like Columbia University, Scope Miami, Laundromat Project, Rush Arts Galleries, Governors Island, Newark Museum, Christie’s and Swann Auction Galleries. She received a commission from MTA and completed a laminated glass and metal installation in 2018. She participated in the Winter Workspace Residency at Wave Hill in early 2023. She is currently working as a studio artist at the Children’s Art Carnival.

Drawing for People Who Think They Can’t Draw
2025-05-11 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-05-25 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-06-08 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-06-22 14:00 - 15:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
For: Teens and Adults. Children are welcomed with an accompanying adult.
Think you can’t draw? Well, think again…! In this class for teens and adults, you will use artists’ drawing tools, gain confidence, and acquire new ways of seeing and imagining that will result in drawings you are proud of. Join us and you will expand your awareness of what elements combine to make a “good drawing,” and have fun discovering your unique style of artistic expression. Don’t miss this empowering class—come cultivate your creativity. Yes, you CAN draw! You got this!
The class is ongoing and the teacher works with students individually, offering new subjects and techniques each week.
The registration is required to participate: Register Now.

Laura King, Artist, Art
About the facilitator: Laura King

Laura King, artist and resident of West Harlem, is passionate about expressing city life by drawing. Her graphite works range from precise anatomical storytelling and portraiture to quick captures of the streets that vibrate with energy and motion. In 2024, her drawings have been shown in NYC exhibitions at The Factory, Culture Lab LIC, Diego Salazar, The Atlantic, and soon (Oct-Nov) Art on the Avenue. She was also an invited panelist during LICA’s Drawing Beyond the Surface exhibition May 2024, Seeing and Feeling: A Conversation about the Medium of Drawing. @diditellyouidraw

Make a Mask - WEUSI Artmaking Workshop
2025-05-12 18:00 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Make a Mask
Monday, May 12
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
All ages (children must be accompanied by an adult; no drop off)

Suggested donation of $5-10, or pay what you can
Registration is required to participate: Sign up

This hands-on workshop guides participants through the process of creating their own unique mask. Whether for theater, cultural celebrations, or personal expression, attendees will explore different styles, materials, and artistic techniques to bring their vision to life.

About the facilitators:

Jennifer Ivey
Jennifer was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens. She has experienced NYC from a very different urban setting. Her first formal introduction to the art world was attending the Brooklyn Museum Children’s Art program.
“But I attribute my gift for creating through my father’s passion for theatre and my passion for an eclectic home environment which included original oil paintings by other young artists,” she stated.
Jennifer was educated in NYC’s finest public schools and graduated from Pratt Institute with a BA in art education. At Pratt Institute, she studied with William T. Williams and as a graduate student, she studied with Anthony Tone at the New School. Jennifer has taught art in the public school system and worked as an art consultant.
Jennifer has experimented with multi-medium design. She has made puppets for theatre and feathered jewelry for entertainer Nina Simone and on-air personality Melba Toliver.
She continues to find a fascination for facial expressions of people in groups in old photographs and uses them in her artwork. She has exhibited with Black Women of Brooklyn and other environs, is a member of the Long Island Black Artist Association and Blacker Than Thou Cross Culture.
Jennifer and her husband Rod have two sons. Royal is an NBA coach and Sterling is a health care worker. Moving from Harlem, they now residue in the laid-back community of Hollis, NY, one of the breeding grounds of Hip Hop.

Deborah Singletary
Deborah Singletary’s artwork has appeared in the New Yorker, “ New Women “ Magazine, The New York Daily News, Painting From The Source (Harper Collins ), Making What Your Means Can’t Buy ( Vision Carriers Press ) and Art’s Buoyant Felicity: An Anthology Art/Creativity Healing (Evolutionary Girls ). She was included in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s major show, “ Black New York Artist of The 20th Century. “
Much of Deborah’s artwork is inspired by her southern and African roots. She is sought after for her paintings, assemblages and word wands. Deborah’s recent exhibition credits include: WEUSI: Evolution of a Revolution (Akwaaba Gallery, Newark, N.J.), Black Joy and Resilience ( Calabar Gallery Harlem, N.Y. ), American HooDoo and Southern Black American-Centric Spiritual Ways ( Rush Gallery New York, N.Y. ), Her story: Voice, Vision & Memory ( LeRoy Neiman Art Center Harlem, N.Y.) and On the Matter of Water ( Kenkeleba Gallery New York, N.Y.).
Utilizing her passion and art in her work as an interfaith minister, Deborah’s work helps pierce the veil separating us from our true selves. As a painter and multimedia artist, her warm spirit and personality have inspired many to put their hidden artistic talents on display. She says, “ For me, making art is a spiritual path and being an artist is having a love story”

Open Your Eyes (O.Y.E.) Community Arts Project - Found Object Assemblage Boxes - Part 1
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Art making workshop by Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper, SISTAAH STUDIO:
For: Adult cancer survivors, friends and family.
Cost: Free
Registration is required to participate: RSVP

Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm.

About the facilitator: Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper

Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper is a self-taught, Harlem-based visual artist, arts instructor, and author. Wilhelmina creates assemblages using mixed-media and found objects which she repurposes into visual art. Her artistic undertakings included assignments as artist-in-residence at The Ralph Lauren Cancer Center and as a Creative Center at University Settlement artist-in-residence wherein she used the arts to nurture the creativity of cancer patients, their families, and staff in a healthcare setting. She also guides elder participants through arts activities at senior centers in Washington Heights, Upper East Side and Brooklyn.
In 2010 Wilhelmina was honored with three prestigious awards for art: The Black Art Makers Award of National Conference of Artists, The Women’s History Month Creative Power of Women Award presented by New York State Senator Bill Perkins, and The Alain Locke Art Action Award presented by The Harlem Arts Alliance. She was also a NoMAA (Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance) 2016 Uptown Arts Stroll Honoree. Wilhelmina is the founder of SISTAAH, Inc. (Survivors Inspiring Sisters Through Art and Advocacy for Health), an arts-based non-profit organization which seeks to inform, encourage and facilitate access to early detection of breast cancer by connecting the medically underserved to free screening services. Using SISTAAH, Inc. as a platform, Wilhelmina has launched numerous successful grant-funded community art projects: Saving Our Sisters in the African American Community, the Harlem Hand Fan Initiative, and O.Y.E. Open Your Eyes Community Art/Health Awareness Project.
She self-published her first book, A Feeling of Fullness: Insights of a Divinely Guided Journey Beyond Breast Cancer (2016, Xlibris Publishing Company) which chronicles the journey from the nearly-missed breast cancer diagnosis at age 37 through her present-day life as an artist/author/health awareness advocate. Her second book entitled Uplifting Cancer Survivors in the COVID Era: Expressions of Kindness and Inspiration Between Aunties and Nieces was released in October 2022.
Some collectors of her artwork include: Alice Walker, Bill Clinton, The Heath Gallery, and Hamilton Landmark Galleries. Eleven of her assemblages appear as set dressing in Seasons 1 and 2 of the Prime Video Series HARLEM.
Wilhelmina is an avid gardener and lives with her husband in Harlem. Her website is:
https://sistaah.org

Open Your Eyes (O.Y.E.) Community Arts Project is supported by

To help New Yorkers—especially those in low-income areas—come together and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods

Film Screening: "WEUSI”
2025-05-16 18:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Film Screening: “WEUSI”
Friday, May 16
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: The Children’s Art Carnival
An independently produced documentary film tracing the roots and capturing the creative spark of the WEUSI Artist Collective, including interviews with noted WEUSI Collective members. Artist talk with members Ademola Olugebefola & Dindga McCannon, with Voza Rivers, Producer.

Stop-Action Animation - WEUSI Workshop
2025-05-17 14:30 - 16:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Stop-Action Animation
Saturday, May 17
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Learn about the art of Stop-Action Animation. Imagine a story you want to tell and bring it to life using basic animation techniques.
For: All ages! Children must be accompanied with an adult. (No-drop off allowed)
Location: the Children’s Art Carnival
Fee: Pay-what-you-can or suggested donation of $5 -12

Registration is required to participate: Sign up

The Facilitators:
Harmarkhis McCannon
Harmarkhis McCannon is an artist/graphic designer based in New York City. As a child he honed his artistic talents at the Children’s Art Carnival and the Harlem School of the arts. Later he continued his training at LaGuardia H.S. of the Performing Arts and at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He works as a freelance artist in New York City and also runs his own design company.

Dindga McCannon
Dindga McCannon has been a WEUSI artist since the 1960s. She is a fiber/mixed media artist, writer, illustrator, painter, wearable art maker, costume designer muralist, printmaker, and a mother. Her work is a fusion of incorporating traditional needleworks skills with the fine arts.

Open Your Eyes (O.Y.E.) Community Arts Project - Found Object Assemblage Boxes - Part 2
2025-05-21 18:30 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States

A Creative Visual Journey Celebrating 36 Years of Aleathia’s Original Artworks
2025-05-23 18:00 - 21:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Join us for an inspiring night of art-making, music, and meaningful connection as we celebrate Aleathia’s incredible 36-year creative journey!
Friday, May 23, 2025
6:00–9:00 PM
The Children’s Art Carnival
62 Hamilton Terrace (at 144th St), New York, NY 10031
Create your very own painted collage masterpiece, guided by Aleathia’s one-of-a-kind approach to storytelling through art. Bring 1–3 small sentimental items (like a button, key, or photo) to incorporate into your work—each piece becomes deeply personal and truly yours.
A color-filled playlist by DJ Masai will set the mood with smooth, inspiring sounds while you create, unwind, and explore.
Light refreshments + good vibes guaranteed.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a first-timer, this adult workshop will leave you lifted, proud, and creatively recharged.
Tickets: $43 (Register today!)
Aleathia Brown

Panel Discussion: "WEUSI: Sustaining the legacy of Black Arts Movements, Instruments of Cultural Preservation."
2025-05-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Hamilton Landmark Galleries, 467 West 144th St, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Saturday, May 24, 2 to 4 pm
Panel Discussion: “WEUSI: Sustaining the legacy of Black Arts Movements, Instruments of Cultural Preservation.”
at Hamilton Landmark Galleries
467 West 144th St, New York, NY 10031
RSVP

About the Discussion:
This discussion highlights the importance of diversifying our financial portfolios by investing in our fine art marketplace.
These uncertain times require us to solidify and protect our cultural assets using strategies to uncover the personal assets in our private collections.
Featured Participants:

Chris Boswell, Moderator
(Gallerist, Collector, Auctioneer, Appraiser)
Shelley Innis
(Contributor, WEUSI Collective Archive @ David Driskell Foundation)
Dindga McCannon
WEUSI Collective Member
(Brooklyn Museum Permanent Collection)
Ademola Olugebefola
WEUSI Collective Member
(Founder, Dwyer Cultural Center)
Diedra Harris-Kelley
Director, Romare Bearden Foundation
Marjorie Clarke
Librarian, Langston Hughes Library

We anticipate a vibrant dialogue that will include additional stakeholders in the arts, as well as insights from our engaged audience.

Open Your Eyes (O.Y.E.) Community Arts Project - Painting on Fabric
2025-05-28 18:30 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States

Closing Reception: Reflections of WEUSI
2025-05-30 18:00 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Closing Reception: Reflections of WEUSI 1965-Present
Friday, May 30
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
RSVP
The Children’s Art Carnival
62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY 10031
Hamilton Landmark Galleries
467 West 144th St, New York, NY 10031

The Rasanblaj Symposium: Decolonizing Y/our Experience Through Art, Performance & Collective Memory - DAY 1
2025-05-30 18:00 - 21:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
OPENING NIGHT – 3-VENUE TOUR
Friday, May 30, 2025 | ⏰ 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano, 619 W 145th St, NY 10031 → Hamilton Landmark Galleries → Children’s Art Carnival

6:00–6:15 PM – Welcome & Grounding: Live music, check-in, light bites @ Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano
6:15–6:25 PM – Land Acknowledgment & Introduction to Rasanblaj
6:25–6:55 PM – Keynote Performance: Gina Athena Ulysse – Diaspora in Vibration
6:55–7:05 PM – Reflection & Intention Card Activity
7:05–7:20 PM – Live Music Procession, El Enjambre Folclorico : CCCD → Hamilton Landmark Galleries
7:20–7:35 PM – Pop-Up Artist Stop @ Hamilton Landmark Galleries
7:35–7:55 PM – Live Music Procession, El Enjambre Folclorico : Hamilton Landmark Galleries → Children’s Art Carnival
7:55–8:00 PM – Gallery Reveal & Toast
8:00–8:30 PM – Community Mic: Artist Lightning Shares
8:30–8:35 PM – Vocal Blessing & Closing Announcements

Register Now
(Free & open to the public)
West Harlem Arts—a partnership between The Children’s Art Carnival and Centro Cívico Cultural Dominicano—is proud to present The Rasanblaj Symposium and Exhibition, a transformative gathering of artists, scholars, and community organizers working to reimagine narratives of identity, belonging, and liberation.
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Caribbean Rasanblaj, the landmark double issue of e-misférica guest edited by Dr. Gina Athena Ulysse, this weeklong celebration embraces “Rasanblaj”—a Haitian Kreyòl term for assembly and re-gathering—We invite you all to gather together to reclaim our stories, and to build something beautiful together.
Experience Rasanblaj Across West Harlem
From May 30 to June 7, the streets, galleries, and soul of West Harlem will light up for the Rasanblaj Symposium & Exhibition — a week of art, healing, history, and celebration made for us.
🎨 Site-Specific Art Installations
Diasporic expressions of resilience & memory
🎤 Panels & Conversations
Critical voices on decolonial theory, performance, and our bodies.
🕊️ Rituals & Interventions
Public performances and community rituals confronting histories of erasure.
🌿 Arts & Wellness Fair (June 7)
A day of indigenous wellness practices, creative engagement, and preventive care.
Everything’s free. All are welcome. Kids, elders, artists, aunties, neighbors — this is for YOU.

A celebratory kickoff with keynote performance by Gina Athena Ulysse, interactive reflections, Live Music Procession, El Enjambre Folclorico, Gallery Reveal and Artist Lightning Shares

Register Now
(Free & open to the public)

The Rasanblaj Symposium: Decolonizing Y/our Experience Through Art, Performance & Collective Memory - DAY 2
2025-05-31 12:00 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Decolonizing Y/our Experience Through Art, Performance & Collective Memory

Register Now
(Free & open to the public)
West Harlem Arts—a partnership between The Children’s Art Carnival and Centro Cívico Cultural Dominicano—is proud to present The Rasanblaj Symposium and Exhibition, a transformative gathering of artists, scholars, and community organizers working to reimagine narratives of identity, belonging, and liberation.
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Caribbean Rasanblaj, the landmark double issue of e-misférica guest edited by Dr. Gina Athena Ulysse, this weeklong celebration embraces “Rasanblaj”—a Haitian Kreyòl term for assembly and re-gathering—We invite you all to gather together to reclaim our stories, and to build something beautiful together.
📚 SATURDAY, MAY 31
THE RASANBLAJ SYMPOSIUM
🕕 12:00–8:30 PM | 📍 The Children’s Art Carnival, Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano and Hamilton Landmark Galleries
12:00–12:45 PM Children’s Art Carnival

Welcome, Keynote Conversation & Libations

Dr. Gina Athena Ulysse with Nicolás Dumit Estévez Raful Espejo Ovalles and Vanessa Valdez

1:00–3:00 PM Children’s Art Carnival

Self-guided Exhibition Tours & Installations

Reflections of WEUSI (Parts 1)
Brewing Dreams, Sifting Realities
I AM PRE-COLONIAL POWER
Making Home
Decolonizing Menstruation

1:00–3:00 PM Hamilton Landmark Galleries

Reflections of WEUSI (Part 2)

1:00–3:00 PM Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano

Living Winds: Oya’s Altar
Secret City

1:00–3:00 PM

Workshop: I AM PRE-COLONIAL POWER Textile Activation @ CAC
Workshop: Cold Process Soap-Making @ CAC

3:30–3:40 PM Children’s Arts Carnival

Live Performance: Germono Toussaint – The Last Gatekeeper @ CAC

3:45–4:30 PM

Panel: The Last Gatekeeper – Talkback with Germono Toussaint

4:30–5:00 PM

Closing Reception: Community Music & Closing Remarks

I AM PRE-COLONIAL POWER Exhibition & Textile Workshop
2025-05-31 13:00 - 15:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
I AM PRE-COLONIAL POWER: Exhibition & Textile Workshop

Facilitated by visual artist Julia Justo
Saturday, May 31, 2025
1:00–3:00 PM
The Children’s Art Carnival
62 Hamilton Terrace
New York, NY 10031
About the Workshop:
This interactive exhibition and workshop celebrate the strength and resilience of Latin American immigrant communities in New York. Participants of all ages are invited to contribute to a collective embroidery inspired by Tania Niomi Ramirez’s poem “Something Beautiful”, stitching together messages of identity, unity, and pre-colonial power. The hands-on experience fosters connection across generations while honoring immigrant labor, artistry, and cultural pride.
Join anytime between 1:00–3:00 PM for this ongoing Workshop — open to all ages, no experience needed!
Register Now!

About the Facilitator:
I am an interdisciplinary artist born in Argentina of Indigenous-Italian ancestry. I live in New York. I work across multiple disciplines such as mixed media, textiles and social practice. I have exhibited extensively in the US and abroad.

🔥 Featured Events
🎭 Opening Night: Rasanblaj – 3-Venue Tour
🗓️ Friday, May 30 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Begins at Centro Cívico Cultural Dominicano (619 W 145th St)
Join us for a multi-site experience featuring live performances by Gina Athena Ulysse, artist processionals, and interactive installations across three historic venues.
🎤 The Rasanblaj Symposium
🗓️ Saturday, May 31 | 🕛 12:00–8:30 PM
📍 The Children’s Art Carnival & Partner Venues
Panels, performances, and workshops exploring community healing, decolonial aesthetics, menstruation equity, ritual, film screening, and cultural memory.
🎨 Arts, Crafts & Health Fair
🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 West 145th St (Broadway to Riverside)
A day of artmaking, performances, health & wellness services, and local vendors—with live music and creative activities for all ages.

✨ Full Schedule & Map Available Here: 🔗 LINK
This is more than a symposium—it’s a gathering for regeneration. Join us as we make space for healing, joy, and imagination in the heart of West Harlem.

About the Event:
The Rasanblaj Symposium & Exhibition:
Decolonizing Y/our Experience Through Art, Performance & Collective Memory
📅 May 30, 31 and June 7, 2025
📍 West Harlem, New York
Free & Open to the Public
West Harlem Arts—a collaboration between the Children’s Art Carnival and Centro Cívico Cultural Dominicano—is proud to present the Rasanblaj Symposium & Exhibition, a weeklong celebration of art, memory, and community rooted in decolonial practice and diasporic connection.
Inspired by the seminal 2015 Caribbean Rasanblaj issue of e-misférica, guest edited by Dr. Gina Athena Ulysse, this event gathers artists, scholars, and community organizers for a powerful series of performances, installations, panels, and rituals that reimagine belonging, healing, and liberation.

The Art of Cold Process Soap Making
2025-05-31 13:00 - 15:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
The Art of Cold Process Soap Making
Facilitated by Madelyn Rivera
Saturday, May 31, 2025
1:00–3:00 PM
The Children’s Art Carnival
62 Hamilton Terrace
New York, NY 10031
Register Now!
About the Workshop:
This workshop invites participants to connect, create, and reclaim cultural wellness through the art of cold process soap making. Rooted in African and Caribbean traditions, it highlights ingredients like shea butter and moringa, exploring their history and cultural significance. Participants will learn about decolonizing skincare, ethical sourcing, and the overlooked origins of natural self-care practices. Each attendee will craft a personal bar of soap, reflecting their heritage and story. Aligned with Rasanblaj, the workshop centers community, health, and cultural reclamation—offering both a creative experience and a deeper connection to ancestral knowledge, empowerment, and clean, intentional living.
🕐 Ongoing from 1:00–3:00 PM — stop by anytime to join in!

About the Facilitator:
Madelyn Rivera is the founder of Decorus Vagary, a handcrafted skincare brand specializing in small-batch, natural products. Born in Puerto Rico and inspired by her great-grandmother’s DIY spirit, Madelyn began creating her own skincare after a product recall affected her as a mother. Committed to simple, clean ingredients, she also shares her creations with those in need. Through Decorus Vagary, she blends care, craft, and community. Follow her work on Instagram: @decorusvagary.

You’re Invited to the Rasanblaj Symposium & Exhibition
Decolonizing Y/our Experience Through Art, Performance & Collective Memory
📅 May 30, 31 and June 7, 2025
📍 West Harlem, New York
Free & Open to the Public
🔥 Featured Events
🎭 Opening Night: Rasanblaj – 3-Venue Tour
🗓️ Friday, May 30 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Begins at Centro Cívico Cultural Dominicano (619 W 145th St)
Join us for a multi-site experience featuring live performances by Gina Athena Ulysse, artist processionals, and interactive installations across three historic venues.
🎤 The Rasanblaj Symposium
🗓️ Saturday, May 31 | 🕛 12:00–8:30 PM
📍 The Children’s Art Carnival & Partner Venues
Panels, performances, and workshops exploring community healing, decolonial aesthetics, menstruation equity, ritual, film screening, and cultural memory.
🎨 Arts, Crafts & Health Fair
🗓️ Saturday, June 8 | 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 West 145th St (Broadway to Riverside)
A day of artmaking, performances, health & wellness services, and local vendors—with live music and creative activities for all ages.

✨ Full Schedule & Map Available Here: 🔗 LINK
This is more than a symposium—it’s a gathering for regeneration. Join us as we make space for healing, joy, and imagination in the heart of West Harlem.

About the Event:
The Rasanblaj Symposium & Exhibition:
Decolonizing Y/our Experience Through Art, Performance & Collective Memory
📅 May 30, 31 and June 7, 2025
📍 West Harlem, New York
Free & Open to the Public
West Harlem Arts—a collaboration between the Children’s Art Carnival and Centro Cívico Cultural Dominicano—is proud to present the Rasanblaj Symposium & Exhibition, a weeklong celebration of art, memory, and community rooted in decolonial practice and diasporic connection.
Inspired by the seminal 2015 Caribbean Rasanblaj issue of e-misférica, guest edited by Dr. Gina Athena Ulysse, this event gathers artists, scholars, and community organizers for a powerful series of performances, installations, panels, and rituals that reimagine belonging, healing, and liberation.

Open Your Eyes (O.Y.E.) Community Arts Project - Make Wood and Glass Bud Vases
2025-06-04 18:30 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States

Press and Pull: EFA Printmaking Workshop, Print and Stitch - Part 1
2025-06-06 18:00 - 20:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
PRINT & STITCH
Instructor: Michele Godwin
Class Date & Time:
Part 1: Friday, June 6 from 6 to 8pm
Part 2: Friday, June 13 from 6 to 8pm
Venue: The Children’s Art Carnival
Max. Participants: 15
Cost: $10
Registration: Sign up today! (Registration is required to participate)
Join visual artist Michele Godwin for a creative mixed media workshop, open to participants aged 12 and up (those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). In this two-part workshop, you’ll learn how to create art by combining linoleum printing and simple embroidery. In the first session, you’ll design, carve, and print a linoleum block. In the second session, you’ll add easy, decorative stitches to bring your print to life. No experience is necessary, and attendance at both sessions is required to complete the final piece. Perfect for anyone looking to explore new techniques and have fun with art!

About the facilitator: Michele Godwin
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Central and East Harlem, Michele Godwin attended the New York City public schools, earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts and an MFA in printmaking from the City University of New York. She also honed her skills in printmaking and served as a monitor at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop. As a teacher, Godwin has worked with individuals of all ages, teaching printmaking and pottery to children, seniors, and adults.

Registration: Sign up today! (Registration is required to participate)

The Rasanblaj Symposium: Decolonizing Y/our Experience Through Art, Performance & Collective Memory - DAY 3
2025-06-07 10:00 - 14:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Decolonizing Y/our Experience Through Art, Performance & Collective Memory

Register Now
(Free & open to the public)
West Harlem Arts—a partnership between The Children’s Art Carnival and Centro Cívico Cultural Dominicano—is proud to present The Rasanblaj Symposium and Exhibition, a transformative gathering of artists, scholars, and community organizers working to reimagine narratives of identity, belonging, and liberation.
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Caribbean Rasanblaj, the landmark double issue of e-misférica guest edited by Dr. Gina Athena Ulysse, this weeklong celebration embraces “Rasanblaj”—a Haitian Kreyòl term for assembly and re-gathering—We invite you all to gather together to reclaim our stories, and to build something beautiful together.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7
CCCD 21st ANNUAL ARTS, CRAFTS & HEALTH FAIR
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 📍 West 145th St (Broadway to Riverside)
10:00 AM

DJ Set, Community Tabling Begins (Columbia Medical Center, Manhattan Cancer Services, the Change makers and much much more)

10:30 AM

Artist Meet & Greets w/ Rasanblaj Participants

11:00 AM

Main Stage: Artist Community Presentations (Lightning shares)

Dillon Gardner – Oya’s Altar for Decolonization
Germono Toussaint – The Last Gatekeeper
Meissane Kouassi – Marking Home
Domingo Cruz – Brewing Dreams, Sifting Realities
Milica Paranosic – Secret City
Julia Justo – I AM PRE-COLONIAL POWER
Patrice Solomon – Menstruation & Intersectionality

11:30 AM Soap-Making Workshop w/ Madelyn Rivera
12:00 PM Remarks from Elected Officials
12:30 PM Music Performance
1:00 PM Dance Performance #1 (Main Stage)
1:30 PM Dance Performance #2 (Pop-up Style Throughout Fairgrounds)
2:00 PM Event Ends

Register Now
Register Now (Free and open to the public)

Open Your Eyes (O.Y.E.) Community Arts Project - Make Rasin Pyramid, Part 1
2025-06-11 18:30 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Art making workshop by Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper, SISTAAH STUDIO:

Instructor: Griffina Blake
For: Adult cancer survivors, friends and family.
Cost: Free
Registration is required to participate: RSVP

Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm.

Open Your Eyes (O.Y.E.) Community Arts Project is supported by

To help New Yorkers—especially those in low-income areas—come together and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods

Press and Pull: EFA Printmaking Workshop, Print and Stitch - Part 2
2025-06-13 18:00 - 20:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States

Open Your Eyes (O.Y.E.) Community Arts Project - Make Rasin Pyramid, Part 2
2025-06-18 18:30 - 20:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States

Exhibition Opening: STRONGER TOGETHER
2025-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Exhibition Dates: Friday, June 20th – Sunday, July 20th
Gallery Hours: Saturday & Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Opening Reception: Friday, June 20th, 6–8 pm (RSVP)
Featuring artists: Élan Cadiz, Edwin G. Cadiz, and Dr. Sharon M. Cadiz
Special Workshops:

Saturday, July 12, 1 to 3 pm – Contemporary Self Portraits by Élan Cadiz (Learn more and Register)
A workshop on different ways of seeing and representing ourselves visually
Sunday, July 19, 1 to 3 pm – Collage Workshop by Edwin G Cadiz (Learn more and Register)

STRONGER TOGETHER exhibition is about the importance of various groups of people related by blood, marriage, adoption, or even chosen relationships, working beyond differences in order to reach a common goal of sharing and learning.

As a first born daughter, my experience of my parents was totally different than my brother’s, and moreover, sharing space with my parents only allowed me a narrow perspective to who they are as people.

Before I was born, Edwin and Sharon Cadiz were both active artists and mentors to community youth in Ravenswood Houses, our home and neighborhood in Long Island City. After my birth we grew together as they both achieved their academic goals. My mother is a writer and received her PhD in Early Childhood Development and Education. My father gained his Masters in Studio Art and Education.

But living with others, whether family or friends, can sometimes feel like living with strangers, especially when there is a lack of communication and understanding.

This exhibition is an investigation of both my parents as artists and ways our artworks share and discuss space and time. It’s a deliberate arrangement of visual artworks and writings that illustrates the ways we feel seen and heard. Encouraging true connection rather than just cohabitation.

STRONGER TOGETHER is made possible with funding from the Harlem Community Development Corporation, New York Council on the Arts, West Harlem Development Corporation, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Ruth Foundation for the Arts, and through contributions from West Harlem community members.

Crochet Workshop - Families with Children
2025-06-21 11:00 - 12:00 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Crochet Workshop by Milagros Batista

Join fashion designer and craftswoman Milagros Batista in a delightful crochet workshop suitable for all ages and skill levels. For beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals, Milagros will guide students through a hands-on experience, offering insights into both simple basics and more challenging stitches.
The workshop will be held at Children’s Art Carnival at 62 Hamilton Place, New York, NY 10031
The 3rd Saturday of every month
Families with children:
11am to 12 noon
Children must be accompanied with an adult, no drop-off
Free, or pay what-you-can donation
Online registration is required to participate: Register for Families with Children Workshop
Teens and Adults: 12:30 to 1:30pm Register for Teens and Adults Workshop

Milagros Batista: Creator of Wearable Art!
Fiber Artist | Master Knitter/Crocheter | Fashion Designer | Social Activist
Personal and Artistic Journey
Milagros Batista is more than a designer; she’s a storyteller weaving tales of resilience, cultural vibrancy, and individuality through her wearable art. Born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Milagros draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of her childhood—ocean waves, bustling markets, and the aroma of coffee and sugarcane. Growing up during a challenging political era, Milagros found strength in her family and guidance in the form of Doña Maria Luisa, a Freedom Fighter and Master Knitter. This mentorship became the foundation of her journey into the world of fiber arts, knitting, crochet, and social justice.
Early Influence and Mentorship
At seven, Milagros’ meeting with Doña Maria Luisa marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Hindered by financial constraints, Milagros proposed a unique arrangement—she’d work for knitting lessons. Doña Maria Luisa, a fearless advocate against dictatorship, not only agreed but ignited in Milagros a passion for social change. Doña Maria Luisa’s passing didn’t halt Milagros’ growth; instead, she became part of a collective of women mentors, guiding her until her family moved to New York. The vibrant culture of NYC, coupled with the influence of the “Black is Beautiful” movement, shaped Milagros’ perspective, fueling her commitment to equity, sustainability, and gender neutrality.
The Batista Collections: Brand Bio
Milagros Batista – Designing for Equity, Sustainability, and Gender Neutrality
A decade ago, Milagros transitioned careers to dedicate herself entirely to knitting and crochet. In 2016, she birthed Batista Collections, challenging preconceptions in high fashion. The resurgence of these crafts during the pandemic amplified her mission, solidifying their presence in the industry. Milagros’ designs stand out, incorporating intricate cables reminiscent of braided hair. Pieces like the “Free Spirited” shawl/jacket symbolize freedom and self-expression. As Batista Collections moves forward, it envisions pushing creative boundaries, defining a path where fashion meets individuality.
Mission Statement
At Batista Collections, we’re crafting a fashion revolution beyond gender norms. Fashion should liberate, allowing limitless self-expression. Rooted in inclusivity and authenticity, our gender-neutral garments empower individuals to embrace their unique identities without fear or limitation. Meticulously crafted, our designs blur gender lines, allowing wearers to explore personal style with confidence. We celebrate the beauty of diversity, honoring the rich tapestry of global identities. Committed to sustainability, we prioritize ethical practices and mindful production. Join us in this transformative journey where fashion becomes a tool for self-expression and empowerment.

Crochet Workshop - Teens and Adults
2025-06-21 12:30 - 13:30 | The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Crochet Workshop by Milagros Batista

Join fashion designer and craftswoman Milagros Batista in a delightful crochet workshop suitable for all ages and skill levels. For beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals, Milagros will guide students through a hands-on experience, offering insights into both simple basics and more challenging stitches.
The workshop will be held at Children’s Art Carnival at 62 Hamilton Place, New York, NY 10031
The 3rd Saturday of every month
Free, or pay what-you-can donation
Teens and Adults:
12:30 to 1:30pm
Online registration is required to participate: Register for Teens and Adults Workshop

Families with children:
11am to 12 noon
Children must be accompanied with an adult, no drop-off
Register for Families with Children Workshop

Milagros Batista: Creator of Wearable Art!
Fiber Artist | Master Knitter/Crocheter | Fashion Designer | Social Activist
Personal and Artistic Journey
Milagros Batista is more than a designer; she’s a storyteller weaving tales of resilience, cultural vibrancy, and individuality through her wearable art. Born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Milagros draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of her childhood—ocean waves, bustling markets, and the aroma of coffee and sugarcane. Growing up during a challenging political era, Milagros found strength in her family and guidance in the form of Doña Maria Luisa, a Freedom Fighter and Master Knitter. This mentorship became the foundation of her journey into the world of fiber arts, knitting, crochet, and social justice.
Early Influence and Mentorship
At seven, Milagros’ meeting with Doña Maria Luisa marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Hindered by financial constraints, Milagros proposed a unique arrangement—she’d work for knitting lessons. Doña Maria Luisa, a fearless advocate against dictatorship, not only agreed but ignited in Milagros a passion for social change. Doña Maria Luisa’s passing didn’t halt Milagros’ growth; instead, she became part of a collective of women mentors, guiding her until her family moved to New York. The vibrant culture of NYC, coupled with the influence of the “Black is Beautiful” movement, shaped Milagros’ perspective, fueling her commitment to equity, sustainability, and gender neutrality.
The Batista Collections: Brand Bio
Milagros Batista – Designing for Equity, Sustainability, and Gender Neutrality
A decade ago, Milagros transitioned careers to dedicate herself entirely to knitting and crochet. In 2016, she birthed Batista Collections, challenging preconceptions in high fashion. The resurgence of these crafts during the pandemic amplified her mission, solidifying their presence in the industry. Milagros’ designs stand out, incorporating intricate cables reminiscent of braided hair. Pieces like the “Free Spirited” shawl/jacket symbolize freedom and self-expression. As Batista Collections moves forward, it envisions pushing creative boundaries, defining a path where fashion meets individuality.
Mission Statement
At Batista Collections, we’re crafting a fashion revolution beyond gender norms. Fashion should liberate, allowing limitless self-expression. Rooted in inclusivity and authenticity, our gender-neutral garments empower individuals to embrace their unique identities without fear or limitation. Meticulously crafted, our designs blur gender lines, allowing wearers to explore personal style with confidence. We celebrate the beauty of diversity, honoring the rich tapestry of global identities. Committed to sustainability, we prioritize ethical practices and mindful production. Join us in this transformative journey where fashion becomes a tool for self-expression and empowerment.
