By Renee Larr
The Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library is partnering with teachers from Zionsville Community Schools to celebrate the annual Youth Art Month in March.
Youth Art Month is a national program that began in 1961 to celebrate the value of art and art education for children. This is the fourth year Zionsville has participated.
“It’s to encourage public support for keeping art in the schools and providing quality art programs for children,” said Jamie Schlenk, HMMPL youth services department head. “In 2013, several of the art teachers at the high school decided to embrace this program and bring it to Zionsville. They asked the library if we would participate not only as a place to display kids’ art, but also as a place where they could offer free art programs throughout the month,”
The library will offer four classes aimed at kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. They include:
- March 4-Van Gogh Mini-Masterpiece
- March 12-Birds of a Feather
- March 18-Suncatchers
- March 25-Pop-Art!
“Some of the classes are put on by the art teachers themselves and others are held by guests. They fill up quickly. The art classes are really popular around here,” Schlenk said.
The library will also display art created by students at Zionsville schools.
“We have two showcases. They’ll be filled with 3-D art like pottery and sculptures. On the second floor, we try to split it up. We try to put the middle school and high school art on the 2nd floor,” Schlenk said. “We’re one of the largest displayers of the artwork. We’re looking forward to it. It’s always a fun time. You wouldn’t believe the stuff these kids make. It just blows your mind. They do wonderful things.”
Learn more about the free library classes at zionsvillelibrary.org.
