NYCHA Residents Public Housing Community Fund

Carey Gardens Children Climate Art on Display at Coney Island Library

September 25, 2024 LaToya

For the next two weeks, climate change artwork created by young people from Carey Gardens will be on display at the Coney Island branch of the Brooklyn Public Library as part of Climate Week NYC. Their pieces won a youth climate art competition, and the winners were celebrated at an opening reception on September 19. Coney Island Library’s Managing Librarian Boris Ioselev is curating the exhibition.

The art was developed by young people ages 7 to 14 who participated in a climate action program organized by Beauty at the Surface in Honor of Carol Lee Cephas, Inc. (BATSCLC), a small community-based charitable organization founded by Sonji Cephas that helps women and families affected by violence, illness, and trauma to thrive in their careers, educational goals, and communities.

Carey Gardens Resident Association President Erika Ulcenat with one of the winners of the art competition at the opening reception.

The free program ran from July through September and used art and culture to teach young people from Carey Gardens about the effects of climate change and how to live more sustainably. Approximately 30 children participated in two workshops, which included presentations from City agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Participants also received art supplies from BATSCLC and school supplies donated by the Brooklyn Public Library.

“We had [a DEP representative] give a beautiful presentation through the Trash It. Don’t Flush It. campaign,” Ms. Cephas said. “They learned about what not to flush down the toilet, what to put in the trash can, why NYC has the best water. DEP gave out coloring books and disposable pouches for oil. It was so informative to the residents. We live right near the ocean, so when it rains we get so much flooding. It’s important to teach the kids about the new climate we’re in of constant rain and hot temperatures.”

Over the summer, the children participated in a workshop led by a representative from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

BATSCLC was able to provide the program thanks to a Resident Climate Action Grant from the Public Housing Community Fund, which provides grants up to $5,000 to NYCHA resident-led projects that enhance sustainability and address climate-related issues important to residents. This is the second year BATSCLC won a grant (last year, the organization provided resources and activities at Family Day). And Ms. Cephas looks forward to continuing to work with Carey Gardens Resident Association President Erika Ulcenat on future events.

“This has been a really nice program, and it’s all about community engagement and improving the quality of life at NYCHA,” Ms. Cephas said. “The feedback from this program is that now the parents want a workshop so they can learn more about climate change and ways to be sustainable.”