Our Story.
The Foundation
2022 & 2023 Hudson Valley Magazine’s BEST “Photography Center for Kids”
2023 Hudson Valley Magazine’s BEST “Adult Photography Programs - Arts & Culture”
2021 & 2022 KOAA “Best Arts Education Center” in the Hudson Valley
The Creative Arts Corner is an innovative multi-arts, educational enrichment resource dedicated to providing exciting programs that nurture every creative process. Our methods are driven by the deep belief that professional artists have unique abilities as instructors - guiding participants towards feeling a sense of freedom in exploring the arts. It is about cultivating a fully rich artistic experience, through collaborative work. Our classes are hands-on, while we focus on project-based learning methods.
Technology & Art
The ideal is to work with both, creatively. We gather strength from our technology, looking upon it as the tools that aid us, as artists. In this age of digital storytelling, our emphasis remains on visual training. Technology is always evolving. However, to train the eye to recognize the decisive moment and develop the mind to compose those moments? These are attributes that can spread across any technological use.
The Aspiring Artist
The skills to work collaboratively take time to develop. We nurture every individual’s learning and communication style. We maintain a safe environment for self-expression, with the aim to foster confidence, cooperation, and creativity. We will guide each student as they explore how to tell stories, initiate ideas, learn to appreciate art and contribute to the greater collective experience.
Our student-centered curriculum stretches the imagination, encourages fresh perspective and enriches the artistic journey.
History
Since 2001, Deborah Grosmark (founder, director & teaching artist) has effectively created and integrated our arts programming, through on-going collaborations with Rockland, Orange & Bergen organizations. Classes, workshops and residencies take place within schools (21c/BOCES/PTA), libraries, community centers, scout troops and private organizations.
Both Grosmark and The CAC of HV arts programs have been 2005, 2006, 2007 County Executive Arts Award Nominees. In 2021, Deborah became a recipient of The Rockland County Arts Educator Award. *Curriculum correlates with the NYS Learning Standards for Arts Education, servicing Pre-k through 12th grade.
New Location & Studio
After 19 years of teaching on-location, we expanded into a new location (2020) - nestled in the heart of the GARNER Historic District. Students can now create imagery in a professional photography studio and amidst 14-acres of an extraordinary landscape.