Picturing America for Public Libraries

Our library is using the images in our children's department to promote our summer reading program: "Be Creative @ Your Library." We have the posters displayed on a large wall, behind the circulation desk and in our program room. Our caption on the wall reads: "Masterpieces of American Art Inspire our Creativity."

We have two workshops scheduled for our summer program. The first will examine the works of Norman Rockwell and Mary Cassatt and how these artists painted people in common situations. Using drawing paper and water colors or colored pencils, the children will be asked to think about people they know and paint them doing common activities. This workshop is for 12-15 children, ages 8-12. A poetry workshop inspired by art will offer children the opportunity to examine a painting and then express their feelings about what is happening in the image through original poetry. The class will be offered to 15-20 children ranging in age from 8-10.

Submitted by Alana Bennsion