THREE HONORED HALLMARK FIXTURES SELFLESSLY AND CONTINUOUSLY CONTRIBUTED TIME AND DECATION TO THE COMMUNITY OF JAMAICA, QUEENS
PC/ C. Harrison: Patricia Chin Susan Deursh & Phillippa Karteron
By: C. Harrison/November 4, 2015/1:55M
At JCAl”S annual Benefit Gala, Soiree, three members of our community was honored for their outstanding contributions to the Arts; Susan Deursch, Patricia Chin and Philippa L. Karteron. JCAL’S reasoning for honoring the three were that they were looking at the past, present and the future and the honorees they felt could address all three areas. The Gala took place at Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning at 153-10 Jamaica Ave.
First to address the room full of attendees were guest of honor, Queens Borough President, Melinda Katz, who stated that JCAl, is doing a great job for our community and that all we want for our family is a good education. Katz, also noted that VP Record, is a large part of our community.
The first honoree, Susan Deursch, was one of the first person’s to have developed an economic study which stated the need for an arts and cultural space in downtown Jamaica. She was also a pioneer along side Emeritus F. Carlisle Towery, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation President, both fought for the current building that was formerly the Queens Registry Building and it was her implementation that made JCAL possible. It was even mentioned that she literally slept in the Cultural Art Center building to make sure it got done.
Second honoree, Patricia Chin, is the CEO of VP Records and have been in business in the Jamaica community for 35 years. VP have been contributing to our community since then and to the larger international community. JCAL is seeking to work more closely with diverse local businesses to create arts and cultural programs that can benefit local and international artists; thus, a partnership with VP made sense. Actually, VP have been working with the Arts in the Jamaica community for many many years.
The third honoree was Philippa Karteron, a community member that have lived in the community for 30 plus years. She has invested in the continuity of JCAL and was a board member for many years. Philippa is a patron of the arts. Her commitment has kept JCAL relevant pointed out JCAL. Her commitment is invaluable. Also, in all, there were three Presenters for each honorees and good thing because the second introducer literally dropped her award but it didn’t break.
Jcal’s Soiree, was to implement a new vision where they can connect business and artists together to create economic stimulation for Southeast Queens. According to Roseann Evens, Director of Development for JCAL, they want to remain relevant and inclusive with technology. “We are trying to incorporate technology in the offering that we have here at Jcal. We are looking for help to develop our animation classes, computer programming and design for girls and expand to include video and social media presentations, performance art and other new and cutting edge work. We also want to bring well-known artists and performances to Queens. Another proactive vision Evens noted that JCAL want, is to understand the need of the evolving demographics of Southeast Queens, while retelling the history and remembering the renowned artists that have been shown at this space over the years, ” Evens said.
In addition, Evens articulated that Jcal has a new partnership with Lincoln Center through the Boro-Line program. The program begins November 7th and run through to December 12, 2015, the program also allows for families to perform for free and workshops for all ages. JCAL further offers live musical performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1 pm at JPAC and streaming from Trinity Wall Street. They want you to know that you can come in on your lunch break and enjoy performances on weekdays, location 153-10 Jamaica Ave.
Evens, moreover explained that they want to see downtown Jamaica become an artistic hub and taken as a cultural destination for tourist, artists and community to come and enjoy—sounds and performances of our local artist from around the world. And next year, 2016, JCAL will be holding what they term a JamaicaFlux, Art Exhibition; with 20 artists presenting work in and for the community to be intricately involved in the development, research and production of each piece. They are also working on additional partnerships with local and citywide arts/cultural organizations to help expand the offerings to Southeast Queens residents and workers.
Additionally, an inquiry from the Greater Jamaica Development Corp, regarding their progression in Jamaica, Queens, revealed that progression in Jamaica has been profound and improvements are ongoing. ” York College, the Social Security office, county courts, the Air Train, the revival of the Jamaica station area, preservation and transformation of King Mansion. JCAL, enhanced MTA bus and subway service, creation of expanded and affordable parking, cleanup of brownfield conditions and other environmental improvements, economic development including new affordable housing and business development, hotel development. Progress continues across a broad range,” according to Bob Liff, Dir. at GJDC
The Soiree finished with dance numbers from children from the arts and buffet style food. You can bye your seats at Jcal, for a small price for each year’s annual festivities now.
Highlight: Photo Credit/C. Harrison
Patricia Chin & C. Harrison
