Mask-Mania 2007!

The first papier mache classes of the new school year are coming to a close. The picture embedded in this blog entry is a group shot of some gorgeous masks the 6-9 year old group made. This age group has really impressed the staff with their talent and determination to finish what they started. Teaching this group was exhausting but, boy, did we have fun! It's remarkable to think that almost everyone in that group spent a minimum of three hours working on their masks! One of our six-year old artists spent a whopping five and a half hours working on her mask. Each girl that finished her mask will get to be a part of the huge fine arts exhibit in January. In an effort to cope with the inevitable separation anxiety these girls will "suffer" in the meantime, there will be a photo shoot for artists and their masks next week. Also taking place next week is the second session of papier mache classes. These classes will be making 3-D pictures. We will certainly keep you updated on that. Wish us luck!

We Are Adopting!

Get those jaws off the floor. My girls are adopting a SCHOOL! The school is in Iraq. Kids helping kids. :) The girls will be trying to raise money to buy supplies and collect donated school supplies for this school. This is an extension of a program we had last year. Last year quite a few girls wrote and sent hand-made gifts to female soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year we are taking things to a new level. It's too early say exactly where this project is going. But the girls that are involved are very ambitious so we shall see.

If you would like to send a little love to our troops over seas, check out this website:

www.anysoldier.com

Once you are at the site, click on "where to send" and a list of America's brave men and women in uniform will pop up. Click on a person's name and you will find some info on the soldier and possibly some emails from him or her talking about the living conditions, how their unit is doing, and a list of requested items. It's a great way to show some real support for our troops. You would be surprised to learn that the little signs of gratitude you send can make someone truly feel appreciated.

THE RGC IS GETTING READY FOR ITS BIG SHOW!

January may seem like a long way off. But believe me it will be here soon enough. Each year across the country, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have local art shows to showcase their fine arts programs (we have our show in January). With a lot of talent and a little luck, artwork from those local shows goes to regional art competitions. Then with a LOT of talent and a LOT of luck, artwork is chosen to be a part of the National Fine Arts exhibit. It is a huge honor.


But the RGC isn't too worried about all that just yet. The Girls Club is just anxious to show this city how much artistic talent it has. The artist featured in the photograph above, Neziyah, has already discovered that she is quite an amazing sculptor at 6 years old! She LOVES her cheetah mask. When she was given the opportunity to hold the mask after it dried, she sighed and whispered, "it's beautiful." She is so anxious to finish her little masterpiece.

Currently there are 19 in-progress masks in the RGC art room!

RGC's Designers in Action!

The RGC art department has begun a short three session t-shirt design course for its interested and talented young artists. The girls are working on a t-shirt design for a local art contest. In the first session the girls had a discussion about what makes a great t-shirt design. The girls learned from Miss Kristin's past t-shirt designs (the successful and the not so successful designs). After the first session the girls seemed very excited to finish a design to submit for the local art contest. Good luck to all the designers :)

We're Back!!!

The after-school program is back in session and the 2007-2008 school year is shaping up to be a great one so far. The girls in the art room seem more determined than ever to make some awesome art. Miss Kristin already has two papier mache classes in session and soon she is adding two oil pastel classes, one drawing class. Next month she will be adding two mixed media classes, two collage classes, and two painting classes. It's going to be a crazy Fall. We will keep you posted on the date for the RGC Annual Fine Arts Show in January. :)