Art in the library?!! Why?! Because it’s S.T.E.A.M.
We have all heard of the acronym S.T.E.M. and the importance of fostering creative thinking for both boys and girls through science and technology projects and activities. We are fortunate that research has now shown that the arts are an important component that must also be included – S.T.E.A.M.
No longer thought of as an “extra” or “just for fun,” art projects present a challenge and require higher level thinking, problem solving, in the moment creativity and engagement! Deep focus and enthusiastic engagement - what better way to enhance children’s learning, concentration and focus than digging into the process of making art!
Open-ended-process art projects are especially important as they encourage the child to make choices and decisions, experiment with new techniques and materials, try new approaches, and stretch their imagination. Creating are also develops small motor skills. All comes together to produce artwork that reflects a child’s own perspective and view of the world.
Many parents enjoy participating alongside their children at our library programs – we are never too old to use our imaginations and engage with fun art materials - the coloring craze gives testament to that! We all enjoy, and perhaps even need, the relaxation of “being unplugged” for a while and enjoy making art!
Our Friends of the Library groups support our art programs with materials and tools that we may not all have at home. If you have not tried using liquid watercolors, constructing instantly stable creations with the help of a hot glue gun, or colored with fine color pencils or markers you have not lived!
Come join us as we make art! Our libraries offer many opportunities and myriad programs for children (and adults) to be creative with art, not only during the summer months, but all year round! Pick up a paper calendar or check our online calendar to view our many free opportunities for you and your family to engage in creative art activities. I promise it will be time well spent - and yes, fun!!
“Fairy Gardens & Dragon Eggs”
No longer thought of as an “extra” or “just for fun,” art projects present a challenge and require higher level thinking, problem solving, in the moment creativity and engagement! Deep focus and enthusiastic engagement - what better way to enhance children’s learning, concentration and focus than digging into the process of making art!
“Creating Mini Mouse Houses, with furnishings!”
Open-ended-process art projects are especially important as they encourage the child to make choices and decisions, experiment with new techniques and materials, try new approaches, and stretch their imagination. Creating are also develops small motor skills. All comes together to produce artwork that reflects a child’s own perspective and view of the world.
“Building Art City!”
Many parents enjoy participating alongside their children at our library programs – we are never too old to use our imaginations and engage with fun art materials - the coloring craze gives testament to that! We all enjoy, and perhaps even need, the relaxation of “being unplugged” for a while and enjoy making art!Our Friends of the Library groups support our art programs with materials and tools that we may not all have at home. If you have not tried using liquid watercolors, constructing instantly stable creations with the help of a hot glue gun, or colored with fine color pencils or markers you have not lived!
“Making collage Animal Marionettes”
Come join us as we make art! Our libraries offer many opportunities and myriad programs for children (and adults) to be creative with art, not only during the summer months, but all year round! Pick up a paper calendar or check our online calendar to view our many free opportunities for you and your family to engage in creative art activities. I promise it will be time well spent - and yes, fun!!
- Jackie Spritzer, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
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