The Art Studio building at the Rockland Country Day School (RCDS) in Congers, NY, was a vibrant hub for artistic expression that enriched our community for years. This cherished space has offered countless classes and workshops, youth education, and community gatherings, becoming an indispensable part of our cultural fabric. Sadly, after being bought by the Town of Clarkstown with the rest of the RCDS property, the Art Studio is now slated for demolition, portending a loss of artistic and historical legacy. 

We call upon the Clarkstown Supervisor and the Town Council to act decisively and preserve this invaluable resource, first ensuring its structural safety and eventually transforming it into a state-of-the-art Community Wellness and Creativity Center. Such a revitalization project would deliver benefits to artists, students, and the local community.

A renovated Art Studio could be: a venue for innovative programs, exhibitions, and community events; a place that cultivates creativity and inspiration; a sanctuary where the arts can thrive for generations to come. We have a chance to honor the culture and history of RCDS Art Studio by not only preserving its traditions but also expanding its impact. By investing in this revitalization project, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing creativity and community spirit.

Let's not lose a unique cultural resource that underpins our social and artistic heritage. Let us invest in its future, ensuring it remains a beacon for current and future generations.

We urge preservation of the Art Studio and an integration into the longterm plan for the RCDS based on four critical pillars.

 1.  Public Health and Cognitive Benefits 
The programs offered in the revitalized studio will deliver measurable, science-backed outcomes:
For Children & Youth:  Art engagement stimulates the prefrontal cortex, boosting executive functions like attention span, focus, and self-regulation.  This directly supports academic achievement and emotional stability.
For Adults & Seniors:  The action of creation is proven to be a form of mindfulness, actively reducing the stress hormone cortisol and providing significant stress relief.  For older adults, participation in the arts is linked to reduced rates of cognitive decline, acting as a crucial defense against memory impairment and isolation.  
For Special Needs Community:  Art offers a vital non-verbal communication channel that improves motor skills and emotional processing for individuals with developmental challenges, offering accessible, evidence-based therapy.

 2.  Community Equity and Inclusion
The studio can provide accessible programs for children, families, seniors, including specialized sessions for special needs community. It will serve as a safe, productive, and inclusive environment, actively supporting underrepresented voices and strengthening overall social cohesion.

 3.  Economic and Sustainable Advantages
Cost-Effectiveness:  Revitalization costs (estimated at $100,000) are significantly lower than the cost of acquiring land and building new cultural infrastructure from scratch.
Local Economy:  A thriving arts hub attracts visitors, boosts foot traffic for surrounding businesses, and provides essential, affordable workspace for local artists and small creative enterprises. 
Environmental Responsibility:  Repurposing the existing building dramatically reduces demolition waste and supports sustainable, responsible urban development.  Our plan includes green renovations, (e.g. energy-efficient lighting, insulation) to ensure long-term, low-cost operations.

4.  Cultural & Historical Value
The studio represents decades of local heritage and serves as cultural anchor that strengthens community identity and pride.  Preservation safeguards this history for future generations.  
Repurposing existing buildings reduces waste and supports sustainable urban development
Green renovations (energy-efficient lighting, insulation, etc.) can reduce long-term costs.

Join us in urging the Clarkstown Supervisor and Town Council to preserve the Art Studio at RCDS. Please sign this petition today to protect an irreplaceable asset and help foster a more vibrant, creative community.