A Jasper Johns Show in the Friendly Village?

The Met, MoMA and Whitney museums may wish to train their curatorial eyes on Mamaroneck because surely the next Jasper Johns or Rodin is alive and well and living in the picturesque village.

On April 19 and 20, the work of young artists five years old and younger was on display at the two branches of the Mamaroneck Community Nursery School (MCNS) during the school's annual art show.  Held during what has been designated "Week of the Young Child" by the National Association for the Education of Young Children —and recognized by some for the entire month—the show presented the works of several proud students under the watchful eyes of their teachers and families. 

In some cases, the children described in detail their chosen medium and the technique used to create their masterpieces.  Nick Cafero, a 4-year-old painter, described his process: "First I put colored paper in the box, put the paint in the box, and I rolled the golf balls inside." The end result was an exquisite abstract painting in orange and red hues on top of a red paper canvas.  It would have made Mark Rothko proud. 

One section of the St. John's Lutheran Church exhibit was designated to sculptures. The children chose geometric forms and different textures to create works depicting various scenes, including a tower lamp and the Roman Empire—complete with soldiers and a castle!  Other sections featured mobiles, kitchen and easel art, textured brush painting and team projects. 

At the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church site, which operates as a parent cooperative, it was a full house.  Much of the student art was derived from literary inspiration.  "Humpty Dumpty" was represented by a paper mâché sculpture of the doomed egg sitting atop a wall, while If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, The Edible Pyramid, and More Spaghetti I Say, inspired a display of cookies, pizza and spaghetti made of play dough, paper, and other "ingredients."  

For many of the students, the MCNS is a continuing family affair.  Griffin Anderson, 4, created the solar system with wood, paint, and glue. There to see the end result were his mom Misa and sisters Morgan, 17, and Heather, 6, both alumnae of MCNS.

Lynda Merchant, director of Mamaroneck Community School, described the children's art work as "an exercise in process over product."  Everyone marveled at the students'  effort and the fine quality of the work produced. 

For Buddy and Florence Carroll, the exhibition was well worth the trip from Queens to view artist Juliana Goode's work.  Juliana is not only a budding artist, but she is the Carrolls' granddaughter.  She wowed her grandparents with her wonderful contribution to Playgroup 1's group-designed "Melted Snowman" placemat.  Each student's contribution depicted the sequential positioning of the pieces of a snowman during the melting process.

At both sites, the students'  skill in art was not the only thing on display.  Their teamwork paid silent tribute to teachers and parents who help educate and nurture the children on a daily basis. The aspiring artists showed skill in civic awareness as well. 

Baskets were available at both sites for donations of cereal and dry milk for the Mamaroneck Food Pantry, underscoring the children's involvement in both artistic and civic endeavors.