by Kirby Lindsay, posted 11 September 2013
At the Fremont Abbey Arts Center this Fall, kids have opportunities to learn multiple visual art techniques and styles, over six weeks. The Kidz4Art program, a once or twice weekly, after-school class in art methods, and creative expression, will be taught by artists/instructors Karen MacKenzie and Kathleen McHugh.
“We started the after-school program at the end of spring,” MacKenzie explained, and this past summer, “we did this very extensive summer camp. It was great!” The two artists, who both attended Cornish College of the Arts – but didn’t meet until later, through MacKenzie’s poet brother – bring enthusiasm for artistic expression to Kidz4Art. They also bring enthusiasm for the kids, and for teaching. “We had worked with kids a lot,” MacKenzie said, about each of their previous experiences, “It’s a constant learning curve, but I think we’ve got a jump on it!”
‘The Building Blocks of Art’
When it comes to the six-week series, “it’s all hands on deck,” MacKenzie explained. The classes include all materials, and “everything is disguised as a fun activity,” McHugh acknowledged. “Kathleen comes up with great ideas,” MacKenzie praised, as they lead their students through an abundance of activities that teach art techniques, modes of expression, and varied styles. “Everything is focused on the building blocks of art,” McHugh observed.
Designed for students ages 6 – 13, the classes focus on fundamentals and design principals with each class given over to a specific one. “No child does the same thing twice,” McHugh explained. She also changes activities frequently enough to be sure to engage every child in attendance, whatever their interest and/or skill level.
“There are so many avenues and roads,” to teaching art, McHugh observed. They teach abstract as well as realistic techniques, through drawing, crafts and physical activities. During one class, students drew on restaurant carry-out boxes, then opened the boxes to see the work as a whole – and learn about cubism.
Yet, both MacKenzie and McHugh have found the classes teach them as well. “We focused on five artists,” McHugh explained about a recent lesson. She’d selected those who create modern art and pointed out to the kids the variety of styles. “We weren’t drawn to them,” she said, about the artists selected, “but after teaching about them, I learned to appreciate them.”
Take Ideas Out Of Your Head
“Fortunately, the Abbey has a big screen,” MacKenzie observed, “we could show images and videos of the artists’ work. The kids really respond to that.” They meet modern kids where they are at – using technology familiar to the current generation to reach them with works created, in some cases, centuries ago – but the instructors don’t see this as capitulation. “I think we are compromising,” MacKenzie explained, using familiar mediums to take kids into unfamiliar arenas. Today, she observed, “kids aren’t learning to take ideas out of their heads and create.” At Kidz4Art, they get plenty of opportunities to explore and express their inspiration.
The resources available at the Abbey have benefitted the program, the teachers acknowledged. Classes meet in the lower level of the building, with a stage the kids enjoy climbing upon, and a kitchen. The location in Fremont further exposes the students to art, and Kidz4Art offers neighborhood children a place to learn and create the next generation of Fremont art.
More importantly, the Abbey has shown support for this relatively new program, taught by two experienced, professional instructors. “I’d been doing adult art classes,” at the Abbey, explained MacKenzie, who lives close by, and when she thought of Kidz4Art, “I popped the question,” to McHugh, “and she said yes!” The teachers chose the Abbey because, as MacKenzie praised, “they are just great to work with. I can’t recommend those guys enough!”
‘To Inspire Kids’
As for students, McHugh has had parents anxious to expose their children to, “as much art as they can.” They’ve had students with no experience as well as those with a natural aptitude that the parent’s want to give expression. “We want to inspire kids,” McHugh acknowledged, and through Kidz4Art the kids can stay kids – active, inquisitive and enthusiastic – while they learn.
“Everyone is an artist,” MacKenzie observed, “Everyone has art inside of them. Sometimes it is just a matter of making your first mark.” As McHugh expanded, “Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting into it… and getting dirty.”
“We encourage them not to get invested,” MacKenzie said of the young students, “light and loose, large and free…” They’ve exposed the students of Kidz4Art to huge canvases, using sweeping, large gestures, as well as micro-pieces and framing only a portion of a fake flower pasted on a piece of colored paper. Through the six-week course, students can learn about shadow & light, the still life, gradations, and quick timed drawing – among many, many other techniques.
Registration is still open for both six-week courses scheduled this fall – September 17th & 18th to October 22nd & 23rd, and October 29th & 30th to December 3rd & 4th. Students can sign up for two classes a week, for six weeks, or only one, and they can do two back-to-back sessions – for12 weeks total – for full immersion in art. Also, for those looking for an engaging program for special needs student gatherings or home/private schools, Kidz4Art can be modified for groups.
Register on-line, or contact plaidrebel@gmail.com with questions.
Also, those seeking more information – and experience – of Kidz4Art, can see these teachers in action at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center booth at Fremont Oktoberfest on September 21st from 11a – 3p. Come make art, make fun – and learn!
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.