Park West Gallery Brings Art Appreciation to Detroit Public Schools

Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro inspires Thirkell Elementary students with art lecture, donation

SOUTHFIELD, MI – Park West Gallery’s global goodwill initiative, Park West Gallery CARES, spread the joy of art appreciation to a group of elementary students in the Detroit Public Schools system. On Thursday, March 3, Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro gave an inspiring lecture to ninety fifth grade students at Thirkell Elementary in Detroit, Michigan.

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Fine art from the Park West Gallery collection was brought to the inner city school and exhibited as Shapiro spoke to the fascinated students. Park West Gallery also presented Principal Clara Smith with a framed work of art and art books for the school. Additionally, Park West Gallery generously provided each child with a gift bag filled with goodies and a small work of art by Alfred Gockel.

“I’m a born teacher at heart, and any time I am asked to share my passion with young people, I never refuse the opportunity,” said Shapiro. “The Thirkell fifth graders were enthusiastic and engaged and for me to be able to ignite a spark in their imaginations about art is an honor and a gift for me.”

“Yaacov Agam was the perfect artist to showcase for the students at Thirkell,” said Francine Grace, Beyond Basics Art Director. “It was wonderful learning how spirituality and mathematics influenced his artwork. I loved seeing the joy and amazement on the children’s faces as Morris held up each Agam painting. The entire experience was truly magical for all!”

The art lecture and donation were coordinated through a Park West Gallery’s new partnership with Beyond Basics, a Michigan nonprofit organization. Beyond Basics offers reading, writing and expanding horizons enrichment programs to students attending public schools in Metro Detroit.

“We seek to bring the best life has to offer to our children in the Detroit Public Schools,” said Pam Good, Beyond Basics Executive Director. “Our partnership with Park West Gallery enables us to do this through the creativity of artists and their work. In addition, they provided the school with a beautiful painting and wonderful art books which will continue to inspire the students and staff alike.”

Park West Gallery is committed to community outreach, having donated thousands of new items of clothing, works of art and books to charitable and educational organizations nationwide. To nominate a charitable organization in your community that would benefit from Park West Gallery CARES, please send your submission to marketing@parkwestgallery.com. 

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