Variety Makes Creativity

Posted on April 1, 2016

by Angela B

At the Kent Branch Library, we do our children’s programs a little bit different from most other branches. We allow any age 0-18, we do not have registration, and children come in late and leave early. So, when the Make U Mobile Art Labs were offered to Kent, I knew it would be interesting. The other branches participating would have separate classes for older and younger children with different projects, with the classes’ capacity at 20. Our Make U classes would be a mishmash of ages and a surprise participation turnout.

This intricacy made for curious classes. We had the older children assisting the younger and the younger children giving ideas to the older; the results were beautiful.

Collingwood Blvd in Toledo, Ohio
 
Our first class was the digital photography mobile art lab. Kent’s tween boys were most enthusiastic about this class, and the instructor did not disappoint! The instructor added an extra bit of excitement for the children by utilizing what they learned to complete a scavenger hunt. Because the instructor demonstrated how to achieve interesting perspectives, lighting, and scale, the photographs turned out great! 

Colorful artwork by children - Kent Branch Library
 
We also had an excellent session with our painting mobile art lab. Some children drew out every line and deliberately mixed the colors to the exact desired hue, while others painted directly onto their canvases and mixed their entire palette to see what would happen. The results were a mix of realism and abstract works.

Painting from Mobile Art Lab at the Kent Branch Library in Toledo, Ohio
 
Overall, the Make U Mobile Art Labs enriched the children’s library experience and exposed them to professional artist tools, mediums and techniques. We cannot wait to see what the children create next!

Did you like this blog post? Keep up to date with all of our posts by subscribing to the Library’s newsletters!

Keep your reading list updated with our book lists. Our staff love to read and they’ll give you the scoop on new tv-series inspired titles, hobbies, educational resources, pop culture, current events, and more!

Looking for more great titles? Get personalized recommendations from our librarians with this simple form.