The Do Art program was a BIG HIT...Over 100 children and adults arrived throughout the day to DO some real art. The museum and guild folks were thrilled with the turnout. We had adults coming as singles and couples, and children coming with grandparents, parents and neighbors. Everyone came to learn to do "real art taught by real artists!" Some highlights:
The weather was PERFECT but the event started with a surprise -- No Electicity! Without power for the first hour, Vikka Molldrem could not melt wax. So instead she blew up balloons into fanciful animals and many an adult and child sported these creations as parrots on their shoulders. Once the power returned, adults and children learned the art of batik with Vikka and Ann. Under Betty Leppin's brilliant tutelage, many samples of beautiful silk paintings were created.
Mike Dennis made it a family affair, with Linda teaching beading while Mike pressed metal. Daughters Emily and Corrinne, artists both, stayed the whole day and worked. Maxie Garte stood in for Vicki (away on a cruise) and helped Mike put hammer to metal. Flip Super leant her considerable talents to the jewelers.
In the clay tent, slabs, pinch pots and coils and press molds took up the slack until the wheels got juiced. Tina Preece, Saralee Chaney and Sonjia Beaubien, with able assistance of Emily Dennis (clay major at Townson,) kept big and little hands muddy with all kinds of clay. Tina sculpted half a head, for everyone to finish. Joanne Riley's and Judy Ward's granddaughters (three each) spent much time modifying and adorning the bust. Emily Dennis added an eye patch, which someone else later removed, and one eye was ultimately left empty -- perhaps the half-a-head was winking??!!!
Joanne Riley, with the assistance of Carlton Harbaugh and Frances Borchardt, led groups of mostly adults to learn the art of photography with a nautical theme. Some brought their own cameras to explore its functionality while others took artful shots for the first time.
Susan Lennon arrived with a florish, set up shop and, ably assisted by Judy Ward and Jenn Barnabee, had children and adults alike flying their own creation of colorful, collage kites.
With Renee Brennan's arranged nautical still-lifes and the beauty surrounding, them all attendees were able to paint, charcoal, pastel and draw with Nancy Bauer, Roxanne Weidele and Barbara Moore instructing and guiding them. This was a very busy tent as 5-year olds sat with 65-year olds having a blast.....touching their inner Picasso.
Jane Eylward was a girl friday, pinch hitting as need in each of the workshops. The most fun was the Community Art Painting, created by all in attendance.
This was truly a community outreach project, which I am told is a first of its kind in South County. Many thanks to the Shady Side Rural Heritage Museum members for their able assistance in setting up and providing us with such a unique location.
In sum, this community outreach project was a delightful day.
More pictures available below showing a fun time was had by all!
