Get Smart With Art

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Get Smart With Art is a free program run by the Virgin Valley Artists Association for children ages 8-14. Currently the program is funded in part with help from a grant from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Listed below are the sessions arranged for the coming year. An “at home” lesson plan for each session will be posted on-line for students who are not able to attend the classes. The “at home” lessons give students opportunities to practice their skills in reading, following directions, problem solving and creative thinking. In addition, the “at home” lessons encourage students to learn about the history of the Virgin Valley and famous artists who have overcome diversity. Students are encouraged to share their personal experiences and thoughts through their art.

The Virgin Valley Artists Association has teamed up with the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum to offer opportunities for students to reflect on how artists are influenced by history, the landscape, and their personal experiences. Currently, masks are required and class size is limited to allow for social distancing. Written lesson plans for all classes will also be accessible to parents on-line. As those lesson plans become available, a link to them will be posted here. A schedule of the classes is listed below. Students can pick up registration forms in the gallery. For more information, call coordinator, Linda Harris at 573-308-5965 or click here to send email to Linda Harris.

Nov 14: "A Study of Henri Matisse": Physical therapist/artist Lynn Maguire discusses the life of disabled artist Matisse. (printmaking)

Henri Matisse Lesson Plan

Dec 12: The December class has been canceled and will be scheduled later in the year. Kinetic art- Influenced by her background in kinesiology and biomechanics, Maguire talks to students about how she sees shapes, values and movement. (pastels)

Jan 9: "Messages From the Past": Retired librarian/artist Char Lang and Elspeth Kuta, Curator of the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, discuss journals of the past. (journal making- mixed media)

Feb 13: "A Trip to Africa": Certified Life Coach/Artist, Diane Alexanian shares how her trip to Kenya changed her life and her art. (polymer clay animals)

Mar 13: "Patterns in Art and Life": Shanon Anderson of the Paiute tribe explains the patterns found in native American art. Char Lang assists students with 3-D art.

April 10: "Frida and Her Art": Lynn Maguire returns to talk about Frida’s disability and art. (Mixed media/ self -portraits)

May 8: "Southwest Experiences": Southwest Artists Kent and Char Lang discuss their archeology work at the Lost City Museum and at excavation sites in the Southwest. (3-D art from found regional items- recycle art)

Sept 18: "Tools and Transportation": Elspeth Kuta talks about early tools and transportation used in the Valley. Students make adobe bricks and create Plein Air paintings on the museum grounds. (acrylic)

Oct 23: "Holiday Celebrations": Elspeth Kuta discusses holiday celebrations in the Valley. Students create their own toys and gifts. (recycle art)

This project is funded, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.