AiNNYC & New York Cares!

Under the leadership of Assistant Director of Admissions, Janegila Wright, a group of twelve Art Institute of New York City volunteers helped revitalize Drew Gardens, a two-acre community site in West Farms on the Bronx River. Volunteer efforts were conducted under the auspices of New York Cares. Art Institute of New York City volunteers included Melanie Clarke and Geneva White from Admissions, Luis Acosta from the Copy Center, and a cadre of eager students.

Drew Gardens was once a dumping site, but activist and founder Drew Hyde transformed the area into a peaceful refuge for people in the community. It has been in operation since the mid 1990’s, with Jennifer Plewka overseeing the activities.

The garden has become a “living classroom” for students of all ages to study the Bronx River, the urban forest, the pollinator garden, and the interdependency of the plants and animals inhabiting the site.

Art Institute of New York City volunteers painted borders for the educational garden beds for Jennifer’s pre-school students; they made signs for the composting area, the pollinator garden, and the harvest areas.

Christopher Pineda, Web Design and Interactive Media student enjoyed the painting projects so much he asked Jennifer if he could return to paint more signs. She was delighted with this offer, saying she could definitely use his help.

James Barrett, Digital Filmmaking student, brought along his camera to record the events of the day. He interviewed Jennifer and Site Captain Peter Doherty from New York Cares, discovering enough additional information about the gardens and the surrounding communities to inspire him to create a documentary.

According to Janegila Wright, “our student volunteers were so amazing. They went above and beyond what was asked of them. We received nothing but great compliments from Peter Doherty and Jennifer Plewka. I look forward to heading up another New York Cares project in October.”