Park West Gallery CARES Brings Art Enrichment to Chicago Students
Goethe Elementary School welcomes 20 donated works, artist to inspire students, invigorate improvement projects
CHICAGO, IL – While it is said that art imitates life, parents and teachers at Goethe Elementary School in Logan Square hope it also inspires learning. The school is the recipient of 20 works with an approximate retail value of $20,000, donated by Park West Gallery, which was on display when artist Dominic Pangborn visited students on Monday, April 11, 2011.
Park West Gallery artist Dominic Pangborn speaks to students at Goethe Elementary.
Korean-born Pangborn immigrated to the United States as a child, where he developed his mostly self-taught artistic skills. The successful working artist and businessman shared his inspirational story with sixth, seventh and eighth grade students during his visit to the school.
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Pangborn, and to receive these works of art from an array of talented artists like him,” says Barbara Kargas, principal, Goethe Elementary School. “We hope that these gifts help nurture our students’ own artistic development, and encourage their academic achievement. We also hope that this donation serves as an invitation to other artists and community members to get involved with their local schools. We all benefit so much when schools and communities work together.”
The donation and artist talk are the result of a partnership between neighborhood group Friends of Goethe School (FOGS) and Park West CARES, Park West Gallery’s national outreach initiative. Launched in July 2010, the program provides art work donations to community organizations across the United States.
Beyond Monday, Goethe and FOGS hope that the donation spurs other partnerships with creative individuals and groups. FOGS is developing children’s programming for the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival and is working with artists to take part in beautification projects on the campus during its annual block party, both happening in late July. The group also featured local comedians and musicians at its recent fundraiser, which brought in more than $6,000 to help spruce up the school’s playground and outdoor field.
“We serve clients all across the country, including Chicago, and we are privileged to assist their communities through activities like these,” says Stoney Goldstein, Executive Vice President of Park West Gallery and Chicago resident. “Goethe is a wonderful example of how collaboration between schools, parents and the community breeds student success, and we hope that our contribution helps the school build on that success.”
About Goethe Elementary School/Friends of Goethe School
Goethe Elementary School is a high-performing, multicultural preK-8th grade neighborhood public school located in the Logan Square community of Chicago. Supporting the school’s programs, Friends of Goethe School is a group of parents, friends, and neighbors working together to make Goethe an even better school. FOGS sponsors programs and raises funds to help provide educational enrichment programs and much-needed building and ground improvements to the school. Learn more at http://friendsofgoetheschool.org
