Mayor Emily B. Jabbour and the City of Hoboken today announced the Division of Cultural Affairs will launch the City's first fall arts classes for adults over the age of 18.
The new classes mark the first time the Division of Cultural Affairs has offered arts programming for adults ages 18 and older. Previously, City-sponsored arts instruction was limited to youth programs through the Division of Cultural Affairs and classes for older adults through the Office of Senior Services. The expansion builds on the City's successful arts education program, which has grown in recent years to include teens and residents with special needs, creating creative opportunities for all residents.
"For years, we've invested in creative opportunities for children, teens, and older adults," said Mayor Jabbour. "Now we're excited to offer the same opportunity to residents ages 18 and older, making arts education accessible to Hoboken residents at every stage of life."
The fall art programs aim to provide additional opportunities for residents to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and connect with others through the arts. Beginning Friday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m., residents can register through RecDesk for a variety of fall classes, including the following three new adult programs:
-Adult Acting (Ages 18+) – An eight-week introduction to acting fundamentals using theater games and improvisation as a springboard for scene study and partner work.
- Adult Drawing (Ages 18+) – An eight-week course that teaches the fundamentals of drawing from life while developing observation and technical skills. No prior experience is required.
- Adult Salsa (Ages 18+) – An energetic eight-week course that teaches the basics of Salsa which will get everyone moving! No experience or partner is necessary.
Additional fall arts programs include:
- Art in the Park (Ages 1-4) – This nine-week indoor/outdoor program includes art, crafts, story time, music, and more.
- Creative Drama (Ages 4-6) – This 11-week program develops cooperative play, confidence, and imagination using theater games and embodied storytelling.
- My Mini Museum (Ages 5-7) – This 11-week program is an art exploration club using artists as inspiration to create their own artwork.
- Artist-Inspired/Kid-Created (Ages 8-13) – This 11-week program introduces students to different artists to help them find inspiration to create their own work.
- Fashion and Upcycling (Ages 10-16) – Participants will learn how to create their own designs using upcycled clothing.
- Freestyle Salsa (Ages 6-10) – Dancers will explore different dance styles while developing rhythm, coordination, and individual expression.
- Creative Movement for Special Needs (Ages 6-22) – Dancers will explore different dance styles while developing rhythm, coordination, and social connection.
- Theater Games (Ages 6-13) – The program will offer an introduction to improvisation and theater games to build confidence, communication, teamwork, and play.
- Sewing and Design (Ages 6-18) – The class will offer an introduction to the basics of hand and machine sewing and design.
- One-on-One Music Lessons for Special Needs (Ages 8-22) – One-on-one music lessons at The Drum Den.
- Group Music Lessons (Ages 8-22) – Group music lessons at The Drum Den.
- Art Lessons for Special Needs (Ages 16-22) – This eight-week program at Urban Arts offers group art classes to teens and young adults.
Classes will run primarily from Sept. 21 through Dec. 11 at several locations through partnerships with local organizations, including:
- Multi-Service Center Senior Room, 124 Grand St.
- ResilienCity Park Community Room, 13th and Adams Streets
- Hoboken Dance Academy, 1421 Grand St.
- The Drum Den, 333 Newark St.
All classes are special needs inclusive. Class size is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that programs that do not have the minimum number of participants may be cancelled. Families that qualify for free and reduced lunch are eligible to register for the classes free of charge.
The new adult classes are intended to be the first step in a broader expansion of arts programming, with additional offerings of adult classes and sessions to be considered based on community interest and enrollment.
For more information on the new fall art offerings, visit https://hoboken.recdesk.com/Community/Home or contact the Annie McAdams with the Division of Cultural Affairs at amcadams@hobokennj.gov.
For the monthly calendar of programming offered by the Office of Senior Services, which includes chair yoga, tai chi, bingo, art class, and more, go to www.hobokennj.gov/departments/senior-services.
