Monday, June 20, 2016

The Art of Growing Artists - Part I


As some of you know, my husband and I recently relocated to Greenville, SC. I am finding an explosion of art and cultural events as well as arts education in the schools--including creative writing! Looking for an opportunity to teach, an acquaintance recommended I first volunteer with the Explore the Arts camp that meets in the Fine Arts Center. Over the next few weeks I'll share some photos and videos. These posts will be heavy on images and light on text as I try to share with you the excitement and energy of these young-artists-in-training. And hopefully, next year I'll be sharing my experiences teaching fiction and journalism!
When I stopped in the Drama and Improv class led by Andrew Bryant, they immediately improvised a jazz pose for me.






These rising kindergarteners and first graders learned about famous artists in Painting and Collage taught by Carol Ann Good, and then dripped, splattered, and painted away!



Jan Woodward taught Ballet and Modern Dance to sixth through eighth graders. The dancers had just learned this routine. 

Each instructor was passionate about communicating his or her love for art to their students.  It was a pleasure to watch kindergartners through adults unabashedly throw themselves into the act of creation. 
Opera star,  Kimilee Bryant, showing her class
her Phantom of the Opera scrapbook




The following pictures are from Katie Jones' class of second and third graders enjoying Clay Exploration.






I tried to take a picture of Dr. Roy Fluhrer, Director of the Fine Arts Center, in front of one of the many sculptures which adorn the school. He declined. Over his shoulder as walked away he said, "It's not about me. It's about the kids."

13 comments:

sheri levy said...

Super, Carol. I bet that was fun.

Carol Baldwin said...

It was, Sheri!

Linda Phillips said...

Great way to share your new involvement with the arts in Greenville!

Vijaya said...

Loved this post. Playing is definitely part of growing an artist.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Linda & Vijaya. I loved watching the kids!

Clara Gillow Clark said...

What an exciting, well-rounded cultural community! So fantastic that you're immersing yourself in art. Looking forward to meeting you soon. . . :-)

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Clara. I'm loving my new hometown and look forward to meeting you too!

Jo Hackl said...

It sounds like a wonderful time at an incredible program. Many thanks for volunteering!

Carol Baldwin said...

You know the joy of volunteering, Jo! Combine that with a great arts camp and you have a winning combination!!

Rosi said...

Wonderful programs. Thanks for telling me about it.

Carol Baldwin said...

You're welcome, Rosi. Wouldn't you like to see your grandkids in programs like this? Perhaps you have something similar in Ca.

Anonymous said...

Carol, it looks like a fantastic program. You can tell how much fun the kids and adults are having. I wish there would have been something like that when I was young.

Carol Baldwin said...

I know what you mean, Kathleen. I went to a fine arts camp, but it wasn't nearly as spectacular as this!

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