Published: June 15, 2009

At The Heart of THE POINT : "Where Community and Creativity Connect"

Share This Story

Photos by Mark Stilwell

As the revitalization of the South Bronx continues, a beacon shines in Hunts Point, New York as THE POINT Community Center lights the way. By encouraging creative arts, social expression and awareness, with a continuous infusion of adult and youth programs, the center enriches the lives of residents and helps create a foundation for productive neighborhood growth.

"Art imitates life?"

Managing Director Kellie N. Terry-Sepulveda stands by the Mission Statement:

"THE POINT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. We work with our neighbors to celebrate the life and art of our community, an area traditionally defined solely in terms of its poverty, crime rate, poor schools, and sub-standard housing. We believe the area's residents, their talents and aspirations, are The Point's greatest assets. Our mission is to encourage the arts, local enterprise, responsible ecology, and self-investment in the Hunts Point community." -www.thepoint.org

"They're not with me."

With the end of the after-school-program for this year, the Center prepares for the summer. Just a few offerings of many to explore:

Summer Day Adventure Program (ages 9-13) Earl Skinner
ICP at The Point - Free Summer Photography classes (ages 14-19 & 9-13)
Summer Youth Basketball "Go hard or go home" (ages 13-16) Kenneth Davis or Torry Dukes
Gondry Workshop - Film Project with Michel Gondry, Raffi Adlan, Jordan Kniley and Oona Ibar

Besides exhibits by adults (some for sale), "At the heart of The Point V," the current exhibition includes work by:

The New School for Arts and Sciences - Teaching artists Mark Stilwell, Julie Arbiter
Point Apache Skate Team - Teaching artist Douglas Miles
Bay Eden Senior Center Arts Group - Teaching artist Francisci Vallejo
Future City - Teaching artist Jim Schneider-Valenti
Green Industries of the Future: Mural Installation - Teaching artist Joe Ferriso