This summer, I planned to host three art workshops for some of our friends. This started because there were art experiences that I felt like Ellie was just not going to get in school* and I figured other folks might enjoy the same thing. Plus kid art is more fun as a group.
June completely got away from me, but I managed to pull off two in July.
All the porch furniture moved under a tree to create a lovely adult seating area.
For Painting (2D), we focused on objective v. non-opjective art and created a messy, group work flinging and rolling paint around. I layered a piece of paper for each participant in the bottom of a kiddie pool and then the kids flung a bit of paint around. We pulled it all apart and everyone took their section home. Then we switched focus to self-portraits.
Acrylic on Canvas Board – grown-up stuff here
Sculpture (3D) was yesterday. We worked on sand casts, sand clay modeling (the stuff dries like rock so it’s great for prehistoric art lessons), and wire sculpture.
We used hands and feet to make the molds. (they are free and everyone coming had them)
Ivey hands!
This one is great! Wire is cheap and easy. We added beads to make it kinetic. And colorful.
We had the best time! I want to do more. I don’t think I can manage once a month for our mainstream friends, but they have half-days at the end of each grading period so I’m wondering about hosting workshops those days. I’m also thinking about offering workshops whichever homeschool groups we land in.
I’ll email the sand clay recipe to anyone who asks – it’s good stuff.
*funding, class size restraints, the lack of a working sink in the art room, etc. etc. etc.
Ah, what a lovely time you must have had! This takes me back to when we homeschooled our youngest and helped with the grands. We had friends and acquaintances over for few farm tours. I’ve been meaning to stop by and applaud your decision to “homeschool” you li’l darlin’. She is darling. 🙂 You will not regret it, and as time goes by you may even thank heaven above that all this came about – we did and haven’t looked back since. If I may, let me offer a small bit of advice. Do not let any day weigh you down. When you feel that creepin’ in on you, and it will, take a break for a few hours, day or whatever it takes to recover. Even very small breaks will freshen attitudes and boost aptitudes, and they are a must. And remember that your child learns something every waking minute, and that you and your husband are the best teachers she will ever encounter. That’s a proven fact. Here’s another or two: Homeschoolers have rocked every chart there is intellectually and have a better sense of well-being…indisputably. Have a great school year!
Looks like a fabulous day!
Jealous, would love to spend the afternoon, any afternoon doing that!! Why are other things always more important? Think I need to work on changing that 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!