Elementary kids gathered in Metcalf Gallery to learn about art from Taylor students for four weeks and had an opportunity to exhibit their work.
In a class called elementary art education, Taylor students prepared art lessons for local elementary kids. The students met with the children on Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m. for four weeks to give their lessons.
There were approximately 40 elementary students between kindergarten and sixth grade enrolled in the After-School Art Program. Most of the elementary students came from Eastbrook South Elementary School in Upland, some came from Marion and some were homeschooled.
In the class, Taylor art students learned about children’s behaviors from when they are five years old to sixth grade, then chose an age group to work with. They prepared lesson plans using different mediums and themes appropriate for children of that age.
“I taught the third and fourth graders because everyone else had already picked; but God planned my lack of decision because they were the best group of kids I could have ever prayed for,” said sophomore Kyrie Lewis.
Kathy Herrmann, assistant professor of art, teaches the class, which is required for art education and pre-art therapy majors. She started bringing in elementary kids for this course about 10 years ago.
On Friday, Nov. 22, the class hosted an exhibition of the children’s work in Metcalf.
“I'm excited about the exhibit, where they have their work out,” Herrmann said. “The kids will bring their parents, bring their friends or family members and they get to see their work on display so it's really kind of an affirming thing for these kids that you don't have to be an artist but you can enjoy making and creating things. I like that.”
In order to bring in students, Cindy Reishus, visual arts office assistant, notifies schools like Eastbrook and gets information about the After-School Art Program into the school newsletters. Flyers are also distributed to nearby elementary schools. Taylor also offers private art lessons, so Reishus contacts those kids in case they are interested.
The private art program costs $100 for eight lessons, but the After-School Art Program is only $10.
“We try to keep it affordable for families to come and bring their kids,” Herrmann said. “We're not trying to make a lot of money; just covering supplies.”
Herrmann will retire next year and she hopes whoever takes her place continues the program.
