MATTOON – A four-session art program for children ages 5 to 8 designed to stimulate creativity and visual skills is set for Aug. 6-10 at the Mattoon Public Library.
Retired art teacher Jamie Willis is leading the sessions titled “Art In Literature.” She plans to use award-winning children’s literature like Caldecott Award winners to prompt hands-on, interactive activities. The class and all materials are free. Preregistration is required with a limit of 20.
“I anticipate this class will fill up quickly,” said library director Carl Walworth. “Jamie Willis is well-known throughout our area for the engaging way she handles art and education, both through her career in the public schools and classes she’s led from her home and other venues after her retirement. We are fortunate she offered this opportunity to the community using our excellent facilities. I know, too, that our staff is excited about the opportunity to work with and learn from Jamie.”
The sessions are from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each day in the programming room off the children’s area in the second floor of the library. Unlike other children’s programs at the library, parents are not required to stay at the library during the class, though they are welcome to do so.
Willis said she plans to use a different book each day to lead into the activities, which will include utilizing the collage technique on one day, use of oil pastels and related materials. The children should wear old clothes each day.
“The purpose of the class is to make the children better visual learners and increase their visual skills,” Willis said.
To register, call 234-1710, email carl@mattoonlibrary.org or come into the library during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
