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Mixed Media – Window Greetings

Supplies:
Pen/Markers
Scissors
Glue or Paste
Paper – colored, computer, newsprint
Tape

Cut shapes out of paper to make characters or draw images that you would like to share a greeting. Use paper to cut out word bubbles for their comments. See photo for ideas.
Tips:
Use a marker or pen to draw eyes on paper. Make a shape that looks like a pet (dog, cat, fish, etc) or a piece of sports equipment – you don’t have to use animals or people, inanimate objects can come to life too!

I learned about this project from regional artist and former Davis Arts Center Board Member Julie Smiley.
Thank you Julie!

Drawing – Playing with Shadows

Go outside for this simple and fun activity. Work with the sun and ordinary objects to cast shadows onto paper. Trace the shadows with markers or you can even use paint and a brush to fill in the shadow shape. Half of the fun is making the arrangements. Experiment with positioning your paper and the objects you choose. Sometimes the most familiar object can make a fascinating shadow. Keep in mind shadows will look different depending on time of day and how you adjust the paper.

Supplies:

Paper

Object/s: Plants, plastic animals or toys, blocks, anything that makes an interesting shadow

Markers, pencil or paint/brush

Light source: Sunlight or lamp

We used plastic animals and blocks to set the stage for tracing.

Take it one step further: Spend some time looking at one of the shadows. What do you see in it? Does it remind you of a profile, figure or anything else?  Add details to the shadow to bring your imagination to life.

“Shadowologist” Vincent Bal uses this method to make a drawing a day. Click here to learn more about him and his work.

Writing – “Write On”

Materials: Pen and Paper – you don’t even need an envelope!

Write to a neighbor or someone you are staying at home with complimenting them! Maybe it’s their impressive vegetable garden or simply the fact that they always smile and wave when they see you outside. Maybe dinner was especially good or they did something that made you smile. You can give them the note at breakfast or drop it off on your neighbors front porch. If you don’t have an envelope you can fold it in half or try to make one as Nicole does (see photo below). We will share a few envelope making patterns next week.

Did you know that April is the National Card and Letter Writing Month? Fun fact from Nicole Hebert, who usually greets visitors to Davis Arts Center: I am an avid letter writer (I make my own envelopes out of old calendars). My coworkers and I are especially big fans of the write_on campaign and their creative 30 day writing prompts. There is no better time to pick up a pen and write to a distant friend or relative, to your favorite restaurant, or to a local business. Check out their reasons to write list!

https://www.writeoncampaign.com/reasons-to-write

Weekly Creative Scavenger Hunt

Art Focused Media

Stacey Vetter, Teaching Artist and Program Manager at Davis Arts Center has picked out two media selections for us this week:

Cultivating qualities of good will, determination and a giving spirit Circle Round was created by parents for children ages 4-10. Each episode is based on a folktale borrowed from a different culture and includes an activity to foster discussion between parents and children. Produced by WBUR, Boston’s NPR station.

Take a peek inside Vija Celmins’ studio as she discusses her subject matter and process. Known for her intimate paintings and drawings of natural forms and open spaces, the artist successfully conveys the disparate qualities of expansiveness and minute detail in every spider web, ocean wave, and night sky that she depicts.  Produced by Art 21, a nonprofit organization. Art 21 uses digital media to introduce us to the work and thought process of contemporary artists.

Coloring Pages – Designed by Jamie Angello

Thanks to local artist Jamie Angello (who was a teaching artist in our All Day Summer Arts Camp last summer) we have coloring book pages for you to print and color! Follow Jamie on Instagram and check out his action painting videos: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.angello