The ARTree provides an “Arts Sampler” of classes to introduce our students to a variety of arts experiences. We weave the sampler of classes together through a common theme. The last theme was “Urbanology” and encouraged a city related flavor throughout our classes.
During each six-week class schedule we offer visual arts classes such as painting, origami, sculpture, and collage. Performing arts classes have included story telling, salsa and hip-hop dancing, rhythm instruments, and song writing. By offering such a variety of classes we are able to find an arts passion in every child who participates.
Our May activity at the Old Town Newhall Library is our last venture until September. Melissa Lackman planned a wonderful project in which each child made two bird sculptures, one to be displayed at the library and the second to be taken home. The kids loved the project that used foil and plaster infused gauze to create the birds. The sculptures were formed the first week and allowed to dry. Then during the second week students painted their birds before they were placed on unique wire “spring like” stands. Not one child missed week two. They could hardly wait to come back for the painting of the birds. If you want to see all of the birds, visit the library and look for them on the shelves near the reserved books. The ARTree will return to the library for twice a month activities in September.
The ARTree spring classes at the SCSC Activities Center are full. Described in Santa Clarita’s Seasons Magazine as “The best way to find the creative YOU is to experience lots of different styles and techniques in both visual and performing arts,” these six weekly classes will give students a hands-on experience in water color, collage, sculpture, dance, music and storytelling. Dianne Foderaro, ARTree board member and education chair, is pleased that the response to the spring art sampler class is overwhelming. “Not only are our 14 spaces taken, but we have a waiting list,” said Foderaro at a recent board meeting.
Designed for students 8 to 12 years of age, The classes will be held on consecutive Thursdays from April 11 to May 16, at 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Classes are conducted by ARTree volunteer teachers and assistants, who provide the open, creative and nurturing environment that young artists need to gain confidence in themselves to express their creative ability, and to develop both as artists and individuals. “We believe that every child has creative ability in them that only needs an outlet to be released,” said ARTree president Bob Hernandez. By having each artist give an original interpretation from each artistic medium provided in the classes, the joy and satisfaction that students receive using their own imagination is what Hernandez feels is unique about The ARTree experience.
As with past ARTree learning programs, the last session will include a celebration where parents are invited to view the completed works from the entire series of classes. Students share their works with all visiting parents, highlighting the variety, progress and growth through the weeks. Both Hernandez and Foderaro feel that this final celebration is important for both parents and students as recognition of the heart and soul each artist puts into their work. In addition to the visual art, the celebration will have either a dance, music or storytelling session to highlight the performance aspect of the classes.
For those who are unable to attend the Activities Center spring classes, The ARTree will soon announce summer classes at the new Canyon Country Community Center. Class details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The ARTree welcomed spring with a wonderful basket activity at the Old Town Newhall Library. On the first Friday of the month children teamed up to create baskets out of yarn and a special homemade glue. The glue mixture of flour, water and a little sugar, helped mold the yarn into very stiff basket shapes. During week two the kids used the same process to cover plastic eggs. The final effect is a beautiful collection of “nests” with eggs. The finished pieces are on display on the first floor of the library near the check out desk.
