Antonette Community Vision

Artist Statement: The Older Adults are part of the Wayside Ministries, including the Van Dyke Community Center, Brownsville Social Adult Club and Tilden Older Adult Community Center. Over the past six years, they have participated in a variety of multigenerational programs in partnership with NYC Aging, Van Dyke 1 & 2 Resident Association, Medgar Evers DYCD program and SYEP. The youth are participants of Medgar Evers DYCD Program, Brownsville Teen program, Van Dyke stakeholder team, SYEP and grandchildren of NYC Aging Kinship Caregivers. Older adults and youth actively participated in the Sing for Hope Intergenerational Piano Design workshops, led by SFH artist partner Danielle M. Chery. They contributed to the piano design by developing creative ideas to bring the piano to life, to truly represent the values of the Brownsville community. It was important to apply vibrant colors to the piano, creating an energy of joy and peace. An older adult who was not able to attend the classes still contributed to the design by crocheting butterflies and flowers for the piano. The crocheted and painted butterflies and flowers symbolize transformation, renewal, and togetherness. The name "Antonette Community Vision" was proposed by a member of the group, as a way to show appreciation for Community Leader Antoinette Emers, while also connecting a musical reference within the name to highlight "a tone", the name was selected during a voting process. The piano is the result of sincere community effort, and the start of a new musical endeavor for the Van Dyke community center.