Man killed in home invasion
News hounds (9/2/10)
Skydive team takes off
Home > Blogs > Things to do in Butler County > Archives > 2009 > May > 19 > Entry
Children’s paint-out brings smiles to Smith Park
Submitted by Linda Fisler
The playground at Smith Park was virtually empty until over 30 children joined nationally known plein air painters Kevin and Wanda Macpherson to paint their interpretation of the pond, Tuesday, May 12.
The children anxiously waited as Kevin Macpherson, whose exhibit “Reflections On A Pond” is currently on display at the Middletown Arts Center, gave them some guidance before turning them loose to paint whatever their hearts and souls desired.
As the childern began to paint, a number of volunteers, parents and Kevin and Wanda gave personal attention to the children, but never hindering their creative process. This event, organized by both the Middletown Library and the Middletown Arts Center, was conducted to introduce the children to the joy and experience of painting “en plein air” or in the open air.
Kevin and Wanda Macpherson are from Taos, New Mexico and are in Middletown to open their exhibits. Wanda’s exhibit “Breath of Fresh Aire” is on display in the gallery at the Middletown Arts Center until June 1. Kevin’s exhibit “Reflections On A Pond” is on display until June 14. Kevin and Wanda travel the world painting and their experiences gave the event co-chairs the inspiration to hold “Refections On A Pond: Through Kids’ Eyes” at Smith Park.
Kevin and Wanda are such giving people and both love to pass on their knowledge and experience very graciously. We wanted to provide an opportunity for children to experience painting in the open air and expose them to concept that you can be a successful artist, just as Kevin and Wanda are. We are so fortunate to have them both here in Middletown and to have them give so positively to this community. We have some very very good budding artists here. We all hope they nuture that through the youth programs at the Middletown Library and the Middletown Arts Center.
“The children really enjoyed themselves,” said Jessica Chamberlain, co-chair for the event. ” This was such a unique opportunity for them, and one that just wouldn’t have been possible without Kevin and Wanda.”
Creativity and inspiration was infectious as even the parents and volunteers left with a feeling of renewed vigor for their respective talents. “This has really inspired me to do those mixed media projects I’ve been putting off due to day to day things that have kept me from it,” said Steve Weigold, the event photographer.
“The kids really were focussed and enjoyed painting.” Kevin Macpherson said after the event. “This was really great! Wanda and I enjoyed working with the children and we tried really hard not to direct them and encouraged the parents to allow the chlidren to be creative. Children are so creative but there is an age when they start to depart from that. Hopefully this event will encourage them to continue with their creative pursuits. It’s so important to nurture that creative spirit.”
Maria Langendorf of the Middletown Library and Patt Belisle of the Middletown Arts Center said that they would be honored to display the children’s artwork. This display will start at the Middletown Library and any interested participants in the Paint Out can drop their artwork off at the Middletown Library this week. Call the Middletown Library at (513) 424-8042 for more details.
Linda Fisler is the chair of the “Reflections on a Pond” exhibit at the Middletown Arts Center.
Photographs by Steve Weigold of Weigold Photography, top to bottom:
Emma Jeynes intently painting en plein air during the “Reflections On A Pond: Through Kids’ Eyes” event.
Kevin Macpherson demonstrates to the children how to mix paints from a limited color palette of red, blue, yellow and white.
Kevin Macpherson welcomes the children to the paint out at Smith Park.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Middletown Arts Center
Comments
By KidsOnCenterStage.com
May 19, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this
This is a step in a positive direction. Check out KidsOnCenterStage.com sign up on the social-network at KidsOnCenterStage.ning.com
By KidsOnCenterStage.com
May 19, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this
This is a step in a positive direction. Check out KidsOnCenterStage.com sign up on the social-network at KidsOnCenterStage.ning.com