Young Afterschool Artists Enjoy Hands-on Activities

Children in Shaker Library’s Afterschool Artists programs are exposed to many exciting art forms and encouraged to try them. These collaborative, hands-on activities help to give children a taste of a new art form, and introduce them to an artist or illustrator. They help children develop an understanding and appreciation for art and promote artistic literacy—plus they are just plain fun!

This fall, children were introduced to Folia Transparent Paper, which looks like tissue paper but is much stronger. Children used paint and stamps to decorate the large sheets of paper. When they were finished with their “creations,” the large sheets were cut into strips and woven to create a stained-glass window display. The project was inspired by Eric Carle and a similar project created by artists at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts.

In another afternoon program, children learned about glass sculpting. Using magic markers, they drew on plastic cups, which were then melted in a toaster oven. Each young artist watched their creations melt, and chose when they should be removed from the oven. After the melted cups cooled, they were strung together in a hanging sculpture a la Dale Chihuly.

Be sure to take advantage of these imaginative artistic opportunities at Shaker Library. While children are on hiatus for their winter break, visit the children’s room and take home books on artistic activities you can do together at home. Then watch for more opportunities for you and your children at Shaker Library.