Matters of the HeART hosts art gallery

Elizabeth Carnaval, a Rockville Centre art therapist who runs an enrichment program called Matters of the HeART, displayed works from some of Rockville Centre's youngest artists.

The Matters of the HeART Gallery Show took place June 18 at Sportset Kids on Maple Avenue. The show featured several pieces of artwork designed by students ages three- to nine-years-old, who spent the past 10 weeks honing their craft.

“These youngsters have worked hard in these enrichment classes,” Carnaval said in an email. “While they have learned techniques, the primary focus of these classes is social-emotional development and building confidence.”

Carnaval said her class consists of about 35 children who have been working hard since April.

“It’s all about them feeling confident and really good about themselves,” Carnaval said. “And the pride they feel.”

Carnaval, a former director of a preschool program, created Matters of the HeART as an enrichment program focusing on social-emotional development, using art as a way to connect.

For the past few years, she has held programs at Sportset, the Children’s Social Club, local libraries, and for Girl Scout troops.

“I travel all over to teach social-emotional skills through art,” she said.

The program at Sportset will continue in the fall. Her next event will take place at the Rockville Centre Public Library on July 9.

For more information, contact Carnaval at elizabeth@mattersoftheheart.love.