Families get creative in art classes
Posted October 23, 2007
Event gives kids, adults a hands-on experience with art
Art isn’t a fleeting passion for Makayla Erdman, 5, of Kimball Township.
She takes as many art classes as she can and keeps her grandmother supplied with enough pictures to keep the refrigerator well-covered.
“I like to paint,” she said.
On Sunday, Makayla was one of more than 60 children who filled the back classroom of Studio 1219 for the gallery’s second installment of this year’s Make Family Art Sunday at the Port Huron gallery.
Volunteer Lezly Straub, who oversees the event, said the free event has grown tremendously in the past year. At times last year, the event drew only about a dozen participants.
Last month’s event easily drew more than 50 people and Sunday’s event had about 60 participants in the first 25 minutes. Straub had her work cut out for her supplying the line of eager artists with paint, paper and brushes.
Cathy Kirk of Port Huron was one of many parents who brought their children to the event. Her five children, ranging in age from 6 to 14, participated in last month’s event as well.
“It’s something we can do as a family,” Kirk said. “We’ve got an hour and a half where we’re all together.”
Next month will feature wire sculptures. Children will learn about the artist Paul Klee, who makes sculptures from a single strand of wire. A topic hasn’t been decided for the December event.
Make Art Family Sunday isn’t meant to be highly structured, Straub said.
On Sunday, children grabbed a brush, paint, paper and a magazine picture for inspiration. After that, they were on their own.
“We provide you with a place to have craft day,” Straub said.
COLORFUL: Makayla Erdman, 5 of Kimball paints a picture on paper with her brothers Deven, 9 and Isaac, 6, Sunday afternoon during Make Art Family Sunday at Studio 1219.
OUTLINED: Brendan Carnaghi, 2 gets excited as his aunt Pam Pauly finishes tracing his hand on paper Sunday afternoon during Make Art Family Sunday at Studio 1219. The event, sponsored by Studio 1219, encourages art activities with family bonding.
Story originally published in The Times Herald by Molly Montag on October 22, 2007