By CHELSEA GEORGE

An artist has turned trash into masterpieces, inspiring young minds at one Norwood school to do the same. 

Kristen Hassenfeld is known at PS 94 as the artist who received a grant from the New York City School Construction Authority to create an art installation back in 2010. She calls the art style “Pixi Mix”—patiently cobbling objects found at yard sales and gift stores and turning them into art. The installation now hangs from the lobby ceiling of PS 94.

Second grade students were inspired by her work during the school year, later creating  “Pixi Mix 2” led by art teacher Julia Csanko. The sculptured work was unveiled on April 29 at a celebration at the school. Csanko introduced the art form to students this year, which served as a twofold lesson and a thank you to Hassenfeld.

“I didn’t know they were doing this and it’s a wonderful surprise for me,” said Hassenfeld. “I feel like the kids genuinely interact with my work.”

 

Hassenfeld showed off her creations with a presentation for the children.  She uses bottle caps, bowls, and paper to make her masterpieces, creating an abstract work of art that leaves people wondering exactly what the creation could be. “There’s so much stuff in the world already, and I felt like I can make art out of it,” she told the Norwood News.

The kids then created their own “Pixi Mix” version by taking bottles filled with recyclable items, and gluing them on top of each other, creating a colorful sculpture standing about three feet tall.

“When public art goes into public schools, it has to be very, very sturdy,” said Hassenfeld. The artist explained how she used garbage found at her neighborhood in Brooklyn to create her work.

The young artists gathered together and presented their thoughts on what they’ve learned and how Hassenfeld inspired them. To wrap up their thanks to the artist, the students gave her a special gift filled with hand drawn thank-you messages from themselves.

Principal Diane Daprocida and parent coordinator Miriam Seminario received a grant from Citizens Committee for New York City to create the after school art program and special event. “We look for every opportunity to bring art into the building,” said Daprocida. “Any activity that brings both the parents and students together, you get a two-for-one. You get a positive interactive experience, away from the stress from homework and all of it is free and inside the school.”

“Pixi Mix 2” is one of several grants PS 94 has added to their art curriculum, a heavy emphasis at the school. Being one of the largest schools in the Bronx with over 1200 students, art is highly appreciated among the students and staff. The school strives in giving students the opportunity to get artistically involved in its culture. They expose young minds to the beauty in art and hope to create talented artists in the future to keep the tradition alive.