Recognizing the importance of art in a child’s development, Modern ArtWorks is designed to foster an appreciation and a greater understanding of the visual arts and the creative process among middle and high school students. This interactive program invites students to view exhibitions organized at CUE and often meet with the exhibiting artist; discuss the work on view; create exhibition-themed drawings onsite; and later produce artwork inspired by the visit.

The resulting more than 80 paintings and photo collages by students, ranging in ages from 11 to 18, will be on view and for sale at the CUE Art Foundation. Participating students represent PS 19, PS 89, and The Cathedral School in Manhattan, IS 259 William McKinley Intermediate School in Brooklyn, Bronx High School of Visual Arts, and Samuel Gompers High School in the Bronx. Each artwork will be priced at $50, and all proceeds from sales are divided between the artist-student and his or her school.

Sales from the Modern ArtWorks exhibition will have a direct impact by significantly increasing the amount of art materials available at participating schools.