Photo Flash: Nikki Blonsky Surprises Special Needs Arts Students at Great Neck Arts Center

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013, students in the Great Neck Arts Center's special needs "Dinner, Music & Art" class enjoyed a treat--a screening of the 2007 movie "Hairspray", followed by a surprise visit from the star of the film, Great Neck's own Nikki Blonsky. The visit and the film screening were arranged by the Arts Center's special needs teacher, Brooke Greiff. Check out the photos below!

The students, ages 19-21, enjoyed the movie and popcorn donated by Great Neck's Clearview Squire Cinemas. Afterwards, they were delighted by the surprise meet-and-greet with the actress, who portrayed heroine Tracy Turnblad in the movie. It made for an exciting and memorable evening for the students, who were thrilled to have their pictures taken with Nikki Blonsky and to get her autograph.

"We are so proud of our Special Needs Art Classes and of the outstanding commitment that the teacher, Brooke Greiff, has to her students," commented Regina Gil, Great Neck Arts Center Executive Director. "This very special celebrity appearance by Nikki Blonsky made everyone very, very happy."

"Dinner, Music and Art" is a class for young adults with special needs that introduce them to an array of arts activities such as ceramics, painting, jewelry making, dance, movies, and other creative projects. It was created at the Great Neck Arts Center in summer 2012 by special education teacher Greiff and assistant teacher Cindy Zubli. Since its start, it has presented special needs students with a unique opportunity to both socialize and explore their creative side outside of a school environment. The Arts Center welcomes inquiries about the class from any interested parents or teachers who may know of a young adult or child with special needs who would benefit from this class. Brooke Greiff can be reached at the Great Neck Arts Center at 516-829-2570 or by visiting their website at http://www.greatneckarts.org

Actress Nikki Blonsky poses with students in the Great Neck Arts Center's special needs "Dinner, Music and Art"? class, along with teacher Brooke Greiff and assistant teacher Cindy Zubli

Actress Nikki Blonsky with Great Neck Arts Center special education teacher Brooke Greiff