Rockaway Gets Artsy

By Katie Larkin

Ever since June 16, 2024, on Father’s Day, Rockaway has broadened its artistic horizons. With colorful paints, unique canvases, and more, event coordinator Theresa Racine has given new life to the peninsula’s creative side. Under the direction of Racine, the free Friends of Hammels Art and Crafting Club, has seen participants blossom with creativity.

“It started in Hammels under Partnership for Parks,” recalled Racine. “They didn’t have a lot of money to be able to do the art program. So I stepped up and said ‘I’ll do it,’ even though I’m not an artist.” Now she is the leader of her own arts and crafts events, able to guide others in their artistic pursuits. Racine recounted how, through practice, she was able to get better and with that she hopes others will too.

The program began outdoors at Hammel’s Playground on Beach 84th and Rockaway Beach Blvd., but as the weather gets cooler, it has since moved indoors to the basement of the St. Rose of Lima rectory located at 130 Beach 84th Street.

Different crafts that have been done over the last few months include Father’s Day frames, shells for Mother’s Day, and various Awareness Day themed items. Racine articulated how she tries to incorporate different themes into the events. One event, she recalled, was zoo themed. In spirit of that theme, Racine read aloud from a book about different zoo animals while children drew their favorite animal. Often working with Rockaway Beach activist John Cori, who donates supplies, the last painting event on Tuesday, October 8, featured whale tails and shark fins.

“I learned a lot,” stated Michael Johnson, one of the participants in the event. “It’s very creative and I feel like it’s a positive move for the youth.” Johnson expressed that more people should come to events like these because it not only gives you something to do but allows you to be as creative as you want. “My goal is to continue getting more people to come,” Racine said. “To have an art club not only for the children, but also for the adults.”

The next craft events will be Tuesday, October 22, and Tuesday, October 29. They’ll involve crafting leaf bowls for the adults and shaping leaves into butterflies for the children. It’s a theme Racine lovingly called “See What You Can Do.” “We’re going to put the flare of fall in it,” Racine said. The craft events are going to be held up until December. Thereafter, there will be a short break for Christmas and New Year’s. The event will resume around the end of January where Racine has more interesting crafts planned.

For more info about the times and days of her craft events, contact Racine at (646) 408-1200 or xtrememeasuregold@gmail.com. Racine is also looking for volunteers who can help out with future events and looks forward to your time there. Racine adds, “Thank you to all of the community members who have donated to this club.”