Hidden in Plain Sight with Wynn Yarrow

On May 6, the First Friday Art Club made miniature books with a special guest artist.  Wynn Yarrow is a local artist with a broad portfolio.  She is represented by the West End Gallery, located on Market Street in Corning.  Wynn came prepared with her pile of crafting supplies and took over the community room for the class.

Table O'Craft-Color-Creation

This group was very excited to have control over so many beautiful and colorful supplies.  It's refreshing to watch the creative process as a spectator rather than the instructor.  

Each budding artist ventured in their own direction, from imagery to words.  

Abstract imagery on the cover

Whether images were abstract or representational, the art came directly from the soul.  Students were thoughtful in their creations, considering that Mother's Day was pending.  Lucky moms had miniature books made just for them.

Mini Books for Mom

Some students enjoyed creating as many mini masterpieces as possible, with no intention of giving them as gifts.

Multiple Mini Books

Ribbon book marks were taken to another level and became beaded beauties.

This marker weighed more than the book!

A first time book maker created a comic book.

Comic book made before Free Comic Book Day

By the end of an hour and a half session, each of the nine students made at least 1 Hidden Treasure to be cherished in secret or shared as a gift.  These items were made into necklaces, pins, bracelets, or simple mini-books.

A productive afternoon

Wynn Yarrow will return to the Southeast Steuben County Library in October to teach three book making classes to adults.  Please check the calendar this fall or call ahead to register.

In June, young adult students will learn how to make stencils and etch glass with a liquid etching cream.  The work created from this class will be on display for the month of June to dress the library in crystal in honor of the Glass Art Society annual conference being held in our Crystal City.

See you again next month!

Watercolor with Laura Charles

In March, I invited Laura Charles to instruct a drawing lesson in my young adult First Friday Art Club.  The house was PACKED!  We had planned to draw and produce a watercolor scene in just an hour and a half program.  Needless to say, we had to extend the session into April. 

Many of the students were given quality watercolor paper to take home and finalize their character and scene sketches.  Then they were expected to return one month later with said paper and drawing, ready to paint.  I am proud to say, they did it!  I am the ever forgetful student who loses the paper, forgets the date of the next session, or cannot recall the lesson.  Good thing my students were better prepared than me.

Laura gave a very brief introduction to the watercolor painting process, which was not a new technique for many of the students.  We then gave paper palettes and small dabs of paint for everyone to create their masterpieces.  Despite the shade of red in our packs being more of an orange, neglecting the ability to create a purple or more cool colors, the kids really enjoyed themselves and created beautiful paintings.  

Ancient Battle Scene, check out the audience!

This Animé Pilot is being submitted in the 4H Fair.

These girls love dogs.  Is that Zena the Warrior Princess?

And so after several minutes of editing issues (have I mentioned I am new to blogging?- do you have editing issues after inserting some photos?) I can continue to brag about these kids and their amazing creations.
There were less kids in this session than last month, which allowed Laura more time to guide each student.  These paintings were well thought out and executed.  I am very proud of the efforts of each student, even the kids who participated as a result of sibling peer pressure.

Here are a few others that I really enjoyed.  

Art is often about the process, not always the final product. 

Skateboard Girl

Mystery Girl and Who Horse

Eagles and Run the Race

With so much talent and creativity in one room, I want to cover the library walls to exhibit these masterpieces.  Eventually.....
For now, I will focus on the next program, Beads for Mom.  We will make gifts for the most special lady in our lives, just in time for Mother's Day.  There is room to register, in case you have an interested student.  (607)936-3713, xt. 503.

Until next month, I will close with a collage including one of my favorite paintings from this session.  The subject is a sleuthing librarian, perusing the stacks to solve a mystery.  Two girls worked on this project together.  Although they would not claim me as the subject, I'm taking the claim.  I am a ninja-near-librarian, hear me "Ssshhhh."  :-)     

I spy a Ninja-Near-Librarian

See you next month!