FUN TO DO

Snug Harbor & the Arts
 
CREATIVE ARTS NETWORK

In 1801, worn out sailors sought refuge and lived in a place then known as “Sailor’s Snug Harbor.” At that time, in its peak, approximately 1,000 sailors were housed there. Eventually, due to having suffered difficult economic times, many of the sailors were relocated and the buildings began to deteriorate. Thankfully, in the 1960’s the New York City Landmark’s Commission helped to repair the old buildings and statues and Sailor’s Snug Harbor became fondly recognized as “Snug Harbor,” New York City’s very first landmark structure.

Sixteen years later in 1976, Snug Harbor was opened to the public and has since been accessible to people both young and old to enjoy. Snug Harbor’s grounds are landscaped with lush greenery and flowers. The Chinese Scholar’s Garden and the Staten Island Botanical Garden are the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature at its best. Or one can take in a show at Snug Harbor’s theater or visit the Staten Island Children’s Museum.

Snug Harbor has also become a home five days a week to A Very Special Place, Inc., where the Creative Arts Network classes are held in our very own studio. Having art instruction in the community within the varied cultural environment offered by Snug Harbor is a wonderful opportunity. New and emerging artists at AVSP are exposed to this cultural setting, giving them new experiences while increasing their socialization skills and creativity at the same time. For the past two years, AVSP artists have been able to display their artwork in Snug Harbor’s Children’s Museum. Some artists have also had the opportunity to be able to participate in their annual fence art show, where showcased artwork lines the fences of Snug Harbor. People in the community are able to view and purchase the original pieces of art.

In addition to these great experiences for AVSP artists, AVSP sponsored a Silent Auction this past fall for the over 50 participants in the Creative Arts Network. The public was invited to attend and to bid on individual pieces of artwork. Every single item was sold, and the program participants were able to learn that creating art can also lead to profit! AVSP is proud to have a home for the Creative Arts Network artists at Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center.