Fazzino Creates with the Boys & Girls Club
Fazzino and his Art Education Initiative brought art and joy to his hometown of New Rochelle. The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle recently opened their new Club House, and Fazzino helped them celebrate by hosting an interactive art workshop there for New Rochelle’s youth. On June 10th, 2024, dozens of Boys & Girls Club members and staff worked with Fazzino and his team to create a unique 3D piece inspired by their hometown. Fazzino introduced his creative process to the club members and led them in the construction of a unique version of his New Rochelle 325 Anniversary artwork. In addition to assisting Charles with gluing the 3D elements to the artwork, each student added their artistic flare, drawing beautiful illustrations on small tiles arranged around the artwork.
This event came on the heels of a similar workshop Fazzino hosted for students from the Clark County School District in Las Vegas during Super Bowl LVIII Week. That artwork is permanently installed at Harry Reid International Airport.
“We’re so thankful to Charles for giving our youth this special opportunity to express themselves and become a permanent part of our new Remington Clubhouse,” Boys & Girls Club CEO Becky Mazzanobile said. “The arts play a critical role in fostering creativity and encouraging greater engagement and educational achievement among young people. Fewer than half of all public schools offer visual arts programs, and initiatives such as these, with valued partners like Charles, are important in helping our kids and teens grow creatively and develop new skills.”
The Process
The kids were first tasked with drawing illustrations on white paper tiles with pencils and markers – their own artistic visions of their hometown of New Rochelle. Inspiration came from landmarks, places visited with family and friends, and natural surroundings. While the kids worked on their illustrations, Charles selected small groups of them to assist him with gluing up the central artwork. Gluing the 3D elements requires a steady hand, but this group of talented youth had little trouble getting the job done. As the art lesson continued and the club members completed their individual tiles, they were instructed on adding them in 3D to the white matte around the central artwork. When finished, the matte was placed around the central image and after starting with a blank canvas, the group realized a completely original collaborative artwork in about two hours. The club members and staff all lit up with smiles when they realized what they had created.
The artwork was later sent back to the Fazzino Studio in New Rochelle where the final touches will be added. The piece will be embellished with glitter and Swarovski Crystals, and then finally mounted and framed. Once finished, Fazzino’s team will transport the artwork back to the new Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Location where it will be permanently installed.
“I am grateful for opportunities like this one to share my love of the arts with kids who are like-minded. And being able to do this in my own backyard is extra special,” said Charles Fazzino from his New Rochelle studio. Sometimes the arts get forgotten in our school. All you have to do is watch a group of students participate in an event like this to know how important they are. I love watching the level of engagement. Once they catch on to what we’re having them do, their eyes light up and they stretch their creative, problem-solving, and inventive muscles. In the end, this also becomes a legacy project for them because their artwork will hang in this important public space with their names on it forever.” – Charles Fazzino
About the Boys & Girls of New Rochelle
For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming that encompasses academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership, and civics. Today, it serves over 8,000 youth annually at 16 school sites throughout Westchester County, NY, and its Mascaro and Remington Clubhouses. BGCNR offers kids and teens safe places to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring professionals, life-enhancing programs, meaningful character development experiences, and hope and opportunity. For more information about the club’s mission, programs, and impact, visit their website.
