Event took place Saturday January 19 at Gentle Brew Cafe. Kathleen Regan and Rosa Maria Goeller spearheaded this "Colors of Long Beach" open art forum for children and families of the barrier island held January 19th at Gentle Brew Cafe and art gallery located at 151 East Park Ave, Long Beach, NY . "Our children have suffered so much since Super Storm Sandy hit our barrier island. They have been displaced, moved and shuffled around from home to home from school to school, lost their toys, their school, their places of worship, parks, playgrounds, day care centers, sports arenas, recreation center, swimming pool, extracurricular activities and their beach." Regan said yesterday to Bob Shanley local Patch photographer. Art teachers Kathleen and Rosa Maria in cooperation with Brian Baquet one of the owners of Gentle Brew coffee shop created a creative space for children to express and create cards and artwork with a valentine's theme. they realize the tremendous impact this disaster has had on our children. The artists wanted to create a fun, safe and free artistic space for these wonderfully strong, ambitious and resilient children of Sandy. More than 20 children showed up with their families, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to create have fun and be together with their friends in the community. Arts supplies and snacks were donated by these two women who gave their time and energy to bring smiles to the community they so love. Plans are being discussed for additional art forums. Other artists from arts organization West End Arts showed up for support and plan to continue Saturday afternoon " 12 to 2 pm " art forums for the children this winter.
