Children's Art... A Creative Mix in 2006

By Jerry Jones, Youth Services Coordinator

April 19, 2006

What do you get when you combine 13 art teachers, all elementary students in the Natrona County School District and the Natrona County Public Library? The result is “Children’s Art…A Creative Mix in 2006”—the 8th annual Elementary Art Show on display at your library now through May 12. Highlighting this month-long show will be a public reception on Thursday, April 27 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Co-coordinators of this year’s show, Mary Brown and Mary Fair Whitlatch, estimate that the display features over six thousand astounding pieces of artwork all of which were created by students in kindergarten through 6th grade.  The walls and the halls of NCPL first came to life on Tuesday, April 11 when the art teachers, along with a group of dedicated parent and community volunteers, descended upon the library with tape, push pens and staplers.  By the end of the day, NCPL was transformed into a colorful showcase of skill and talent.

Ceramic and clay figurines and sculptures, pen & ink self-portraits and watercolor and oil landscapes are just a few of the media that greet visitors as they peruse all three floors of the library. Those interested in works with a Latin American theme will want to be sure to visit the Crawford Room on the lower level where they may encounter works inspired by the likes of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo or pottery and weavings influenced by the empires of the ancient Aztecs and Incas.  And if you’re one of those people who can’t stand to throw away empty soup cans, egg cartons or old newspapers, but aren’t sure what you should do with them, stroll through the Children’s Department to see the collection of recycled and found art fashioned by some very ingenious students.

The 13 teachers and a number of the students who have worked so hard to make this exhibition a success will be present during a public reception on Thursday, April 27 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. While the art show will be available for viewing during normal library hours, this evening reception has been known to attract as many as 2,000 visitors to the library. Those attending can look forward to student demonstrations and hands-on activities that will give them the chance to explore their own creative sides. Face painting also proves to be a popular attraction with the younger crowd during this festive evening. But best of all, the reception provides a great opportunity to thank the many students, art teachers, school administrators and library staff responsible for this amazing exhibit of student talent and community cooperation: “Children’s Art…A Creative Mix in 2006.” It’s at your library through May 12.

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