On November 8th, LaVelle & Co. hosted a special event to support arts education through The Fund for Public Schools. Held at the Marlborough Chelsea Gallery, the evening featured the works of renowned artist Claudia Bravo as well as a series of fantastic silent auction items. One of the highlights of the festivities was a powerful message from LaVelle & Co. founder LaVelle Olexa, who noted that this gathering of young professionals was emblematic of the ways in which we can leverage our personal and professional relationships to not only achieve our own potential, but also to benefit the greater good and leave a lasting impact on our communities. The event was in keeping with LaVelle & Co.’s mission – to encourage women to harness their power, find their passion, and achieve their greatest potential. To this end, the Manhattan-based collective organizes events to create empowering and supportive relationships between young professionals and prominent businesswomen.

This was Lavelle’s first fundraising event to benefit the city’s schools, and it’s success was impressive – over 200 people attended, and over $16,000 was raised to support one of the city’s vital public school arts education programs: the Summer Arts Institute. The Summer Arts Institute (SAI) is a free, four week program that provides New York City public school students with access to quality arts education programs, cultural resources, and tools that would otherwise be unattainable. Held at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, SAI is administered by the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Arts & Special Projects and is supported by both public and private funds. SAI offers a unique opportunity for over 200 talented students to work directly with Department of Education arts specialists, partnering cultural organizations, and guest artists. The experienced staff of teachers and artists guide students in building a portfolio or audition skills for their next level of study: a specialized high school, college, university, or conservatory.

At SAI, students major in dance, drama, instrumental music, vocal music, film, photography, or visual art. A typical daily schedule includes studio work and experiences with professional artists, both on and off-site. In the studios, students hone their technical skills and creative expression in their selected art form. In addition, students have opportunities to attend rehearsals and performances, visit professional arts venues, and explore potential career pathways. Students perform and display original work throughout the program, and SAI culminates with a student visual art and photography exhibit and a live performance for families and the local community, celebrating the summer achievements of all participating students. To learn more about SAI, click here.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience for our city’s students would not be possible without the support of dedicated New Yorkers like the women of LaVelle & Co. You can check out some great photos from the Marlborough Chelsea Gallery event here, and learn more about LaVelle & Co. here.