Children’s art workshops create gallery at OB Library

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A free, mixed media workshop will be held this Saturday, June 18, from 10:30 am to 12 noon at the Oak Bluffs Library. — File photo by Ralph Stewart

The Oak Bluffs Public Library has been celebrating children’s art with a series of three Saturday morning workshops in June for children of all ages. In my role as the children’s librarian, I have been teaching each of the free workshops in painting, sculpture, and, scheduled for this coming Saturday, mixed media. The artwork will then be displayed at a Young Artists Exhibit on Saturday, June 25, from 10:30 am to 12 noon, and the public is encouraged to come by and see the display of children’s artistic talent.

The art workshops were designed to give children a chance to experiment, create, and explore different artistic mediums. Children of all ages were invited to take one or all of the free workshops.

The painting workshop took place Saturday, June 4, and focused on watercolor and acrylic paints. Famous artists from various time periods and painting styles were discussed. Matting for the paintings created during this workshop were donated by Island art gallery Kennedy Studios Custom Framing in Vineyard Haven.

The sculpture workshop was held Saturday morning, June 11, and taught three-dimensional art using many different household items. Using glue, tape, string, Play-Doh, and pipe cleaners as adhesives, the children were encouraged to try something new and experiment with their sculptures.

The final workshop in the series will be held this Saturday, June 18, from 10:30 am to 12 noon. A mixed media workshop, it will give children a chance to use found objects and collage materials to create a new work of art. The children can bring in a plain, wooden box or another object to use for a collage that will become a three-dimensional piece of art.

My own interest in art developed when I was a youngster. A graduate of Simmons College with a master of arts in Information Science, I have developed my skills in photography, writing, and as an assemblage and collage artist. A member of the Oak Bluffs Library staff since 2009, I was appointed children’s librarian in October 2010. I enjoy bringing energy and new ideas to the library and especially being able to develop close relationships with the children and their families.

The Young Artists Exhibit will honor the children’s work with an official gallery opening complete with music, refreshments, and some added surprises to make it a festive event for the community, the children’s families and friends. The art show will remain in the library’s Meeting Room through July 9.