by D. N. Kinsey
Art for Orcas Kids
Orcas Island has always been a haven for creativity, and now our middle school students have a firsthand look at the artistic talent that surrounds them. Brook Meinhardt with the Art for Orcas Kids program brought local artists into the classroom, inspiring the next generation of creators.
Over the course of seven weeks, students have been treated to visits from six accomplished local artists who volunteered their time, each sharing their unique perspectives and techniques. From portrait illustration to painting to wool felting, these classes have provided a diverse and enriching experience for our young learners. The program was sponsored by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.
Meinhardt kicked off the program with a session on portrait illustration, guiding students as they sketched celebrities using pencils and paper. Inese Westcott worked with the class and shared her inspiring tree paintings, then she allowed students to explore their creativity with acrylic paints. Westcott was also instrumental in helping organize the guest artists to share their work. Artist David Densmore introduced an exercise in negative space drawing using paper, charcoal and chairs, while Khristy Kim taught students to map animal faces to draw them, resulting in colorful portraits of local farm animals. Susie Shipman delved into the world of printmaking, with students creating their own pumpkin-themed cards. The final session, led by Mandy Troxell, introduced students to the art of wool felting, providing a tactile 3-D artistic experience to create landscapes and creatures.
The Orcas Island Middle School Art Exploratory class learned about several different art forms and connected with the art community on the island. The A*OK program requires community support to continue and thrive by bringing art classes to the Orcas Island School District. Your support can make a difference. Whether it’s through volunteering or contributing financially, every bit helps to ensure that programs like A*OK can continue to enrich students’ lives.
We want to thank the Orcas community for donating, supporting our local artists and inspiring the next generation. After all, today’s students will be tomorrow’s artists, keeping the creative spirit of Orcas Island alive for years to come.
Learn more about how you can support the A*OK program by going to https://givebutter.com/DqQWav and look for the Art for Orcas Kids grant request in the upcoming GiveOrcas Holiday Campaign this Dec. 3-12. For more information or to volunteer for Art for Orcas Kids, please contact the program at aokartfororcaskids@gmail.com
