Voice of the Mid-Columbia | Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Wash. |
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closeSunday, Aug. 16, 2009
Molding young artists: Allied Arts summer classes
By Sara Schilling, Herald staff writer
RICHLAND -- Jennifer Allstead walked across the classroom with a baggie full of water, salt and flour in her hands.
"Squish, squish, squish," she said as she kneaded the bag. Soon, the household ingredients had formed a thick glob that she could use to create whatever she wanted -- from a castle to a puppy dog to a dragon.
"I love clay!" Jennifer exclaimed.
She knew what she was talking about because by then, Jennifer, 8, of West Richland, had spent nearly a week learning to make and mold clay through an Allied Arts summer class in Richland.
The class was one of several weeklong sessions for students ages 7 to 15 aimed at introducing them to art forms and techniques or sharpening their skills.
Classes were taught by expert instructors with help from Meg Miller, an art student at Washington State University.
"It's really fun," said Finn Peck, 7, of Richland, who also was taking the clay class with Jennifer.
He squished his bag of salt, water and flour -- ingredients that produce a blend of edible clay -- while standing at a table with pal Kevin Peurrung, 8, of Richland.
"Sometimes you get a little messy, but that's part of the fun," Kevin said. "You can sculpt a giant ice cream cone and then eat it!"
The kids, who wore aprons so they didn't have to worry about ruining their clothes, spent the morning making and working with the play dough and candy clay.
They'd tried out other types of clay, including polymer, earlier in the week.
The goal of the class -- the finished product -- was to fill a shoe box with mini sculptures that came straight from the kids' imaginations.
Those imaginations produced everything from mermaids to knights.
When the students' shoeboxes were full, a hole was made at one end so the kids could peek into their secret world and admire their creations.
"They get to make their own world -- whatever they want," said instructor Ginger Blodgett, showing off one box with an underwater theme. "It can be whatever world they (dream) of."
Organizers wanted students to have fun during the sessions. They also hoped the kids would learn about the importance of art and what it can bring into their lives, said Cassandra Wald, coordinator.
Classes started in June and wrapped up about a week ago. Some kids took only one session, while others came throughout the summer
"We have (students) who come back year after year. It's fun to see them grow up," Wald said.
This year, there were workshops on everything from creating mazes to painting with watercolors and acrylics.
The workshops have been going on each summer for 15 years.
Natalie Mote, 10, of Kennewick, a student in the clay class, said she liked exploring her artistic side.
"I like creating things," she said. "I like giving them to my parents. They really appreciate it."
They don't have to be the only ones. Artwork created by the students during the summer classes will be on display at the gallery through Friday.
A reception to honor the students is from 1 to 3 p.m. today. Allied Arts is at 89 Lee Blvd.
-- On the net: www.alliedartsrichland.org
* Sara Schilling: 509-582-1402; sschilling@tricityherald.com
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