Saturday, October 28, 2017

MAKE YOUR MARK! A Childrens' Art Program


Last month during National Arts in Education Week, sponsored by Americans for the Arts, I had the pleasure to work with area children! I visited SoRo Child Care, owned by Nicole Crever; Rome Jervis Library with Miss Alanna; Mrs. Tien's class at Rome Catholic School; and the Treehouse Reading and Art Center, owned by Dr. Joanna Robertson.


I love to create my art lessons around a book title. As it was also International Dot Day that week, for this session I chose the book, The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds. This story is all about a little girl named Vashti who doesn't think she has any artistic talent. But after her art teacher asks her to make a mark, just one dot, she learns that she does have what it takes to be an artist.

At each of the venues I visited we read the book together. After the story all the children gathered around a big white canvas. Each child was asked to choose an object from my stash. Each of these items could be used to make marks on the canvas.

Next they chose their color, then paint was applied to their tool.  Finally, we let them loose! 


Each one tried a few different mark making tools and different colors. Did they ever have fun!


At the end each session the children saw they had created one large canvas full of colorful marks. They thought that was the end of it. Until, I came back the next day with the finished painting! I had uncovered the words I had placed on the blank canvas.

The results?  Each one was different, and each a work of art!





It was a busy week for me but I enjoyed every minute of it! Here's a glimpse -






If you would like to have me visit your classroom, daycare or scout trip, e-mail me and schedule a visit. The first session is FREE!

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Hamilton: Weekly Visit

On today's agenda was another visit to Hamilton to help out at the Hamilton Center for the Arts/Broad Street Gallery. I've been volunteering there for a couple weeks now - my own internship of sorts. 

It's about an hour drive, but the scenery is so beautiful it doesn't seem like that long of a ride. Mel went along with me today because the gallery owner, Kathy, needed some help moving a few things to the basement. 

We arrived a few minutes early so I decided to walk around the corner and snap a photo. As we drove into town, I had seen a banner hanging on the side of a building announcing a Native American Festival*. 










As usually happens with me, one photo led to many, many  others!     





 
















And as we walked, Mel even got in the act, suggesting things to snap a photo of ...  







Look at this, he said...


And this... 



I thought the changing of the marquee was sorta cool -


Next to the movie theatre ma cool boutique called STEPH. The smell of leather drew me in.  I met Mary who was tending the store. We chatted and I found out she has a son, James, who is a landscape photographer. I ended up giving her my card. I am hoping to be able to share her son's work with my OOAK Artisan readers soon.

(PS. They had great clothes, perfect to wear to an art opening. I plan to return when I do NOT have a chaperone with me!) 



When I finally stopped running my mouth it was time to get to the gallery.  I took a gazillion photos and I'm going to be sharing more in future posts. 

Before I sign off today, I want to share some gorgeous shots I took of the walls in the basement of the  gallery... you KNOW how I feel about texture and especially architectural texture! I'm working hard to get you hooked as well. Until next time, enjoy the view!  





 * For more info on the Native American Festival 




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