Maspeth Gets New Digital Art Library

The Beacon Parents’ Forum announced the implementation of the ARTstor digital library at P.S. 153 in Maspeth on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

ARTstor is a digital library of more than one million images in the areas of art, architecture, humanities and social science. P.S. 153 teachers and students will be able to access ARTstor from school computers and smartboards. Home access will be available for academic research.

Using grant money provided by City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, the Beacon Parents’ Forum enabled P.S. 153 to become the first New York City public school subscribing to ARTstor.

“My background in art has significantly influenced my own career,” said Crowley. “That is why I support the Beacon Parent’s Initiative to implement an ARTstor digital library at P.S.153. Reports demonstrate that there is a correlation between arts education and greater student achievement and social development.”

ARTstor is currently being used at many exclusive private preparatory schools such as The Dalton School, Calhoun School, Trinity School and Horace Mann School.

Beacon Parents’ Forum President Charlie Vavruska said “While our children may not have the economic advantages that prep school children have, they certainly have intellectual advantages and it is a moral imperative that we give them the tools they need for academic advancement. The ARTstor initiative proves that involved parents working in conjunction with elected officials who understand the needs of all children produces great results.”