an art enrichment program for children

Many people ask what is "Kids Meet Art,"™ ("KMA"™)? Why have you chosen to bring this program to children in the classroom? What is the artist attempting to teach? Are they successful?

I've invited our "KMA"™artists to share their thoughts and experiences with you. Every quarter we'll publish the comments, explanations, and impressions of one or more artists, about "KMA"™. Your response and comments will be appreciated.

During the month of October there will be a showcase of the "KMA"™ program at the gallery. Some of the artists will be present at different times to speak with you. PTA/PTO Presidents and Cultural Arts Chairs, Elementary School Principals, Art, Music, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts teachers, parents, and potential business sponsors, are all invited to visit the gallery and learn about "KMA"™ and how children can benefit from this program. Call us at 847-956-7966 for a schedule and appointment.

Kathy Umlauf

WHY I TEACH IN THE "KIDS MEET ART"™ PROGRAM
By Deborah Rosen

The greatest gift I can give children is the understanding that they can "create."

I enter the classroom with four goals:
1. Foremost, I want to say at the end of class, "Look, you have created a
poem that never existed in the world before. You can put words
together. That's Power!"
2. I want to teach writing skills such as:
(A) Paying close attention to the subject of your poem.
(B) Using your five senses to describe the subject.
(C) Finding the most accurate words to describe the subject
3. I also want to teach the "process" of writing - going from idea to rough draft through several revisions. I want students to endure the discomfort of process and "hang in" confident of the final payoff.
4. I want teachers to be active participants because I believe I'm offering them opportunities to reinforce aspects of the craft of writing that they are currently teaching.

In the end, my goal is "magic" as I say to the students, "WOW, you have created a poem out of thin air. What talent you have - talent that no one can take away from you, EVER."

Artists visit students at their schools to: allow students to meet, speak and interact with professional artists increase students' awareness and knowledge of the variety of art forms introduce students to new artistic techniques give students an opportunity to develop a skill or talent resulting in personal confidence and self-esteem.

Corporations, Foundations, PTO's, and individuals are invited to adopt a school. For information, call (847) 956-7966 or e-mail us at staff@northwestculturalcouncil.org.