St. James, New York - March 8, 2014 - Harbor Country Day School, a nonprofit independent day school located in St. James’ Head of the Harbor, announced that its artist-in-residence, Larissa Grass, is showcasing her work at The Art Collectors exhibition at Setauket’s Gallery North. The show features original lithography prints from Grass and other prominent local artists, as well as selected prints from the private collection of Richard Gerrig and Timothy Peterson.
As Harbor Country Day’s artist-in-residence for the past ten years, Grass has developed andled a program that guides students to gain a lifelong appreciation for the fine arts.
“My teaching philosophy is much the same as my artist’s philosophy,” said Mrs. Grass. “Just as I continually evolve as an artist, I expectmy students to do the same as they grow in their knowledge, perception and appreciation for the arts. I consider it my primary responsibility to guide them in that journey.”
Mrs. Grass’ ability to engender a love of the artsis evident on her students’ faces during class and in the artwork they produce, which is proudly displayed throughout the building. Several of her students have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in the arts, and one recently joined Newsday as one of the newspaper’s staff artists.
Mrs. Grass added: “My favorite aspect of teaching at Harbor Country Day Schoolis how much we, as a school, value the arts. That institutional commitment is evident throughout the entire school, and you really see it shine through the students’ work. They all are so talented – they never cease to amaze me!”
In addition to creating and showing her own work and leading Harbor Country Day’s art program, Mrs. Grass also produces the school’s Young Illustrators Challenge, an annual art show that features work from children in kindergarten through eighth grade, from school districts across Long Island. This year’s Young Illustrators Challenge will be held on Saturday, March 19. For more information about the event, please contact Mrs. Grass at (631) 584-5555, ext. 119.
About Harbor Country Day School
Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school for children from preschool through 8th grade situated in St. James’ Village of Head of the Harbor. The school employs a whole-child approach to education, wherein its rigorous curriculum is supported by a broad program in its academic, athletic, advisory, and visual and performing arts departments designed to develop all aspects of each child's talents and interests. Harbor Country Day School’s summer camp program, Camp Harbor, is among the leading summer camp programs on Long Island. The school’s mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” underscores every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School and ensures that all of its graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with wonder, confidence, and many successes.
Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by and a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit hcdsny.org.