BLAKE HENDRICKSON, artist-in-residence at St. John’s Catholic School in Brunswick, helps students build wooden sculptures as part of Arts Are Elementary, which works to connect visiting artists with each grade’s curriculum and each school’s broader learning goals to illuminate studies and offer unique perspectives.
SQUIDGE DAVIS, artist-in-residence at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School in Brunswick, works with clay and first graders.
The 10×10 Exhibit, co-sponsored by Arts Are Elementary and Point of View artists in Brunswick, has been enthusiastically supported by artists, art collectors and community volunteers since 2007, when friends and fellow Brunswick artists Lucy Cooney, Catherine Worthington and Judith Long came up with the idea to benefit Arts Are Elementary.
Hundreds of collectors attend the exhibit and community volunteers contribute in a variety of creative ways.
Each small work of art is offered for sale for $200.
Since 1980, Arts Are Elementary has brought visual artists, writers and performers into the Brunswick elementary schools, reaching all children in kindergarten through fifth grade with fun, inspiring models and a myriad of wonderful opportunities for creative expression.
Many studies have shown that the arts enrich education in all subjects, from literature to science.
Arts Are Elementary works to connect visiting artists with each grade’s curriculum and each school’s broader learning goals to illuminate studies and offer unique perspectives. All artists are extraordinarily talented in their fields.
Most artists work directly with children in the classroom, some also provide in-school and public performances.
Through these residencies and special concerts, students explore a wide range of art forms from cultures around the world. Stepping outside of their day to day routine, they learn to take risks and entertain new ideas.
SQUIDGE DAVIS
Second grade artist-in-resident Squidge Davis worked with a second grade student at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School.
Davis guided kids through the creative process using clay and inner listening. The children worked in silence as they created habitats or masks, experiencing the same techniques and gestures as our ancient ancestors.
BLAKE HENDRICKSON
Third grade artist-in-resident Blake Hendrickson helped two third-graders at St. John’s Catholic School find just the right wooden pieces for their wood sculptures.
The week before Hendrickson’s residency began in earnest, he presented a slide presentation for every third-grade class, showing them geometric shapes and patterns from nature. He then set them loose — each with a 10×10 inch piece of plywood, a bottle of wood glue, and a tray to hold their wooden pieces. He brought in wooden pieces of all shapes and sizes and directed the kids to create.
CATHY WORTHINGTON
First grade artist-in-resident Cathy Worthington worked with students in Mrs. Doughty’s class. With Mrs. Doughty, Cathy and Spindleworks artist Betty Carter helped first graders sew Botanical Banners for the May 2013 All Species Parade, which celebrates all living things. The All Species Parade is now an annual event that originated with an AAE residency.
10×10 Benefit Art Exhibit and Sale
WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Curtis Memorial Library, St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brunswick
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
