The Noel Pointer Foundation
Irina Howard is a dedicated teaching artist with extensive experience in visual communication across various educational settings, currently contributing to The Noel Pointer Foundation and the Art Portfolio Center. As the owner of IRINA HOWARD ART STUDIO since 2015, Irina focuses on creating original artworks while fostering artistic authenticity. Previous roles include independent art consultant and mediator with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, along with instructional positions at Ashcan Studio of Art. Irina has also applied marketing expertise as a consultant and manager, supporting emerging artists and promoting art events. Educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Arts from the University of Baltimore and an Associate in Science in Fine and Studio Arts from The City University of New York.
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The Noel Pointer Foundation
ABOUT US The Noel Pointer Foundation (NPF) was incorporated in 1995 under the direction of Ms. Chinita Pointer, wife of the late Grammy nominated jazz violinist Noel Pointer. In 1998, the Noel Pointer Foundation created a string music education program for 18 students at Public School 44. Fulfilling an incredible need, they were soon asked to do the same for many other schools. The program currently exists in 28 different New York City Schools. Due to the successes of this program, NPF began offering music enrichment programs at their headquarters in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. In 1999 NPF instituted the Summer String Program, serving an average of 200 pupils per summer. In 2000, NPF created more opportunities for inner-city youth by opening the Saturday Strings program. The NPF Youth Orchestra, formed in 2008, performs with famous musical icons and ensembles such as Mos Def, Mark O’Connor, Strings of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Philharmonic and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. In 2010, NPF increased personalized attention by providing more private instruction through an After-School Strings Program. Since the Foundation’s inception, NPF has served over 20,000 New York City public school children. VISION Founded in 1995, the Noel Pointer Foundation (NPF) is a not-for-profit that dramatically enriches the lives of children by developing string music education programs for under-served communities in New York City. Through professional training, performance opportunities and college placement assistance, NPF enhances a student’s cultural and academic experience, infusing them with a positive sense of who they are and a boundless sense of what they can become.