5 reasons why Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is a Queens gem
A Goldmine of Arts and Culture
Located in the heart and soul of Jamaica Queens, Jamaica Center For Arts and Learning embodies the creative spirit and history of the community in which it resides. Queens is synonymous with jazz legends like John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday, who once called the borough home. Since 1972, JCAL has kept that culture around by presenting visual and performing arts to Jamaica. While many people know of what they have to offer, we thought we'd go in depth just a bit. Here are five reasons that JCAL is a gem to the community.
Jazz Thursdays
If you've seen our film April Again, you know of our affinity for jazz music. What you might not know is, we met Immanuel Wilkins, the film's composer at JCAL's Jazz Thursday. In fact, a number of jazz musicians who we've covered first caught our eye at these events. The series features a diverse array of performers, ranging from Grammy Award winners to promising up and comers. Thursday Night Jazz presents a great opportunity to see some of the most exciting names in jazz up close.
Artist Co-Op Exhibition
For those interested in visual arts, JCAL's Artist Co-Op Exhibition is for you. The annual event will feature emerging and established artists, with mediums ranging from sculptures to paintings and mixed media. The exhibition kicks off on November 21st, with an opening reception that allows the public to meet the artist. The Miller Gallery is open Monday through Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM and serves as both a cool platform for artists, and a nice destination for Queens as a whole.
First Friday Series
If anything proves that JCAL is truly for artists, it's their First Friday Series. This monthly event provides a stage for young musicians, poets, dancers and performers, allowing them to submit work to be refined and eventually presented in front of a live audience. They also provide a month of rehearsal time to the artists to prepare for their day. Perhaps the best part of all is that participants can profit off of their art, splitting the proceeds of tickets 50/50 with JCAL.
Education in the arts
JCAL understands the value in education, as their School of the Arts offers over 40 classes for people of all ages. These classes range from theater, to cartoon animation, dance and so much more. They also have In-School Residency, Workshops and After School programs in which professional teaching artists establish curriculums and work with students in the arts. With the many workshops and educational opportunities, it's clear that JCAL is just as passionate about nurturing young minds as they are with showcasing established talent.
Making Moves Dance Festival
JCAL's dance festival is without a doubt one of the most diverse displays of performing arts in the city. The Making Moves Dance Festival is ten years in and commissions eleven underrepresented choreographers from around the city to perform. The event features a number of premiers that are crafted for JCAL and JCAL alone. Those wishing to be entertained and educated on the many forms of dance would find this 3-day event worthwhile.
Stay up to date with all things JCAL at https://www.jcal.org/Stay up to date with our content here
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Stay up to date with all things JCAL at https://www.jcal.org/Stay up to date with our content here
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