Under the direction of Jenny Mendez, students from the Beacon Center for Arts & Leadership will be performing at this year’s Bushwick Open Studios. Performances by local Bushwick kids are a rare thing for BOS, as the festival largely consists of Bushwick implants, experimental and established artists. During a hectic weekend of art shows, installations and crowded streets, be sure to stop by Maria Hernandez Park on Sunday, June 2nd and watch the real kids of Bushwick do their thang.

The Beacon Center for Arts & Leadership operates under the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, a multi-service community based organization whose mission is to serve the youth and families of Bushwick. They provide opportunities to create, critically think, communicate, and problem solve through arts-based activities that build leadership skills and empower the individual. Bushwick Daily visited IS 291 on Palmetto street to speak with the students who participate in the after school dance program. Not only did their passion for the arts shine through, but their support for each other was paramount. “It’s all about friendship.”