Wednesday, January 26, 2011

"Nurturing Young Artists"

Norma Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

Nothing inspires our creativity and gratitude for life so much as the arts. That’s one reason why nurturing young artists is such an essential part of Vermillion Area Arts Council’s work. We support opportunities for them to participate in the arts by taking art classes and by exhibiting their work. Involvement in the arts can inspire all of us to more fully understand and appreciate life on this Earth.

Partnering with Vermillion’s Community Education Program, the VAAC is sponsoring “Drawing Games with Ms. Paige,” for students in grades 1-7. The fun and games began January 20 and will continue at Vermillion Public Library on Thursdays February 24, March 24, April 28 and May 12, from 3:45-5 p.m. We also sponsor Ms. Paige’s “Ready, Set, Draw” classes offered Tuesdays at Washington Street Arts Center, from 3:45-5:15 and from 6-7:15 p.m. For more information, e-mail paige@ready-set-draw.com, or call her at 605-659-0614.

We’re also joining with the Community Education Program to sponsor Studio VADO, the Vermillion Area Dance Program. Classes began January 24. Students are invited to register from February 7-11 for spring classes in Clogging, Pre-Ballet 1 and 2, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Ballet, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Hip Hop, and Beginning and Advanced Tap. For the first two weeks, classes are free. For further information, visit the ready-set-draw.com/dance website.

Partnering with Vermillion’s Parent-Teachers Association, the VAAC sponsors the Jolley School Art Block Program through which nearly 400 students at Jolley Elementary School will receive art lessons in the 2010-11 school year. Provided free of charge to the school district, local art instructors design lesson plans and train volunteers to bring four lessons to each of the second-through fifth-grade classes. Last fall, fourth and fifth grade students learned about form, color, positive and negative space, line, and value through hands-
on lessons. Third grade classrooms will take part in lessons this month, and volunteers will work with second grade students later this spring. Vermillion School District does not employ an elementary art teacher. While Jolley Art Block cannot replace a formal art program, it’s a small step toward ensuring that area elementary students are exposed to art concepts and given an opportunity to develop critical and creative thinking through the visual arts.

We are fortunate to live in a university community. Paintings, collages and ceramics by Nate Buckolz, Johnne Law McMachon and Zachary DeBoer will be on display at the next USD Student Art Exhibit scheduled for February 25th from 8-10 p.m. at Washington Street Arts Center Gallery. Don’t miss the students’ cutting-edge work at this VAAC-sponsored event.

Volunteers and donors who make our art classes and events possible, I want to thank you. Your contributions of time and money are essential to our community. No returns are more satisfying than those we receive from investing in youth. Check the VAAC Calendar at vermillionareaartscouncil.blogspot.com for more information about our art events and classes.

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