RAM Talks Art: Keep the kids busy this summer

By Stacey Sauer, Education Coordinator, Rockford Art Museum            

Summer vacation can be a refreshing time. The kids are home from school, and schedules that were hectic now give way to unstructured free time. For a while, this lack of routine seems like bliss.

But, inevitably, that free time gives way to boredom, and parents everywhere begin to wonder what they will do with their kids. Art classes and workshops are a great way to keep your child's creativity flowing during their vacation.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Rockford Park District ( http://www.rockfordparkdistrict.org) offers a variety of summer camps and workshops for children of all ages. If your child has an interest in the fine arts, check out the Totally Arts program for children ages 5 to 14. This program, offered by the Rockford Park District and Rockford Area Arts Council ( www.artsforeveryone.com), allows children to tap into their creativity through classes in dance, drama, music and visual art.

New Dimension Studios at WOMANSPACE ( http://www.womanspace-rockford.org) offers two children's art camps this summer for ages 7 to 10 and 10 to 13. These classes explore art in a variety of forms, including clay and wood sculpture, collage design, drawing, painting and printmaking.

For something unique, check out the Village Artists camp at Midway Village Museum ( http://www.midwayvillage.com). Children will have the opportunity to try their hand at painting in the village, go on an architectural scavenger hunt, and meet an artist.

Rockford Art Museum ( http://www.rockfordartmuseum.org) also offers children's art classes. I Can Draw! (for ages 6 to 12) teaches children the basics of drawing, and instructs them on how to use a variety of materials such as pencil, charcoal and pastels. If your child wants to be the next big thing in fashion design, perhaps the new In Vogue fashion design class could be for them. Be sure to check out the popular Comic Strip Creators class as well.

Parents, don't forget that summer art classes can enhance your creativity and lifelong learning as well.

A rare opportunity for adults to draw from live models is available through the uninstructed “Life Drawing Studio,” held weekly in the lower level Anderson Gallery of Rockford Art Museum (RAM). The use of both male and female models allows both the inexperienced as well as the accomplished artist to practice drawing the different shapes and sizes of the human form. Participants register for the class through RAM, and bring their own drawing materials each week. Easels and drawing boards are provided.

New Dimension Studios and Gallery at WOMANSPACE have a variety of programs for those interested in art, including drawing, watercolor, painting and ceramics. During the summer, WOMANSPACE hosts open studio sessions for those who have recently been enrolled in an art class at New Dimension Studios. Fees are assessed by the hour or day. Clay is available for purchase, and glazing and firing costs are included in the hourly fee.

Rockford Photo Club ( http://www.rockfordphotoclub.com) meets the first and second Thursday of each month at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. This group ensures seasoned photographers as well as beginners have opportunities for group discussions, workshops, photo shoots, and exhibitions and competitions.

If you are enrolled at Rock Valley College ( http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu), why not consider taking an art class such as Drawing and Composition, Ceramics or Introduction to Visual Arts? RVC has a drawing and ceramics studio on campus. You must be a registered RVC student or be enrolled in an art class to have use of their facilities and supplies.

So whether you are looking for summer activities for your children, or looking to assuage your own boredom, check out the art opportunities at your local organizations. Rockford Park District, WOMANSPACE, Midway Village Museum, Rock Valley College, Rockford Photo Club and Rockford Art Museum can help make your artistic pursuits possible.

Contact Rockford Art Museum Education Coordinator Stacey Sauer at ssauer@rockfordartmuseum.org.

from the July 23, 2008, issue

 

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