Glucks Honored with Itts Award
On the lower level of the JCC is the Paul and Yetta Gluck School of Visual Arts. SoVA, which provides a space for classes for all ages that foster creativity, personal growth, and community through hands-on learning, was made possible through the generosity of the Glucks. And for that reason, they are this year’s recipients of the Marvin and Sara Itts Award. This award is given to a person or persons or an organization that made a noteworthy contribution of constructive value to the social, educational, civic or philanthropic betterment of the community. Paul and Yetta wanted to do something meaningful for the community. After talking with then CEO Andrew Lipkin, and then Financial Resource Development Director, now CEO Lisa Long, they realized the JCC had dance and music programs, but no visual arts programs. That’s what was missing, Yetta said, and that’s the direction they wanted to go. They wanted something that would impact the community in a positive way, and they feel SoVA does.
SoVA sees many people – from toddlers to seniors - benefitting from the wide variety of art classes available. Classes cover collage, watercolor painting, ceramics, and more. Open Studio is held weekly, for individuals to explore their creativity. SoVA teachers provide art classes for the Early Learning Center at the JCC, Camp JCC, and the afterschool JCare program. They also work with Senior Living by Youngstown Area Jewish Federation participants, as well as community groups such as Camp FRIEND and the Fairhaven Foundation. Working with so many individuals with a variety of abilities showed the need for a more inclusive space.
To that end, SoVA will undergo a renovation, funded by the Glucks, later this year. Currently, high tables and stools are being used in SoVA. A wheelchair accessible table will be added and the floor plan will be changed to be more user-friendly for those using canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Stools with backs will also be added, as well as adaptable tools. No matter a person’s ability or mobility, they will be able to participate in art classes.
“They are so supportive of all of the ideas we come to them with, especially when it involves teaching art to underserved populations. They love the idea of everyone being an artist,” Barbara Wilson, JCC Director of Cultural Arts & Jewish Engagement, said.
Paul and Yetta agree it’s wonderful to be recognized with the Itts award, noting it’s a good feeling. But that’s not why they help and donate. They’ve worked hard and been successful, and their children were connected to the JCC, so they want to give back. And they hope when others see such an acknowledgement it gives them ideas of things they can do. Yetta feels there are a lot of people out there that could do it and would do it if they just got the idea.