There were two projects I just didn't get a chance to record.
First, the "haiku animal"project. Along with the scratch board animals, children also had the opportunity to try sumi-e ink animals. We went over Haiku poems and how to count out syllables by clapping our hands together. The younger kids who were not aware of Haiku poems or syllables really enjoyed this part and caught on quite quickly. I then told them to try to create an animal line drawing with a brush and ink using either 5 or 7 strokes. Those that completed this quickly then had the chance to create a Haiku poem to go with the painting and then add it to the piece using a fountain pen.
They turned out quite cute. I especially loved the poem, "cluck cluck cluck cluck".......
The second project I am missing is the mixed media works of art.
I knew they would want the opportunity to do an acrylic painting and although that was not necessarily something they saw in Ben's exhibit, found a way to create a project that was still inspired by his work.
Some of the pieces from his days as a graphic designer showed his love of collaging paper so using newspaper, music sheets, and magazines, the kids created animals by cutting shapes out of the pages.
They then adhered them to an acrylic painted background and added more paint as needed to complete the piece.
Yes it was messy, but a broom made quick work of the scraps of paper. The kids came up with some really great solutions using the magazines and newsprint to get the colors they wanted for their animals. And it was a great exercise in breaking animals down to shape, much like Ben Lim had done throughout the exhibition with his animal pieces.
I was so disappointed to realize I had forgotten to take pictures of the finished pieces. All I have is a picture of them on display during the Friday art show, which brings me to my favorite part of the camp at Seymour Art Gallery- the energy they put into creating a special exhibition of all the work created during the week for family and friends.
Seymour Art Gallery made the children feel so special by displaying all their work on the walls, just like they had observed all week walking through Ben's exhibit. Each piece had their name next to it and it was an amazing validation for them to see adults putting great importance on the time, energy, and imagination they had put into each project during the week. They were so proud and extremely excited to show off their art to the visitors.
Each child enjoyed pointing out their pieces to loved ones, along with telling them the techniques they had learned to create them.
There was punch, fruit, and the most amazing handmade cookies for everyone to enjoy while they toured the exhibit.
It is such a special part of the week to see the kids excited to watch a large group of people admire their artwork.
But one of the most touching moments was letting the kids know that Ben Lim's family wanted them to have a token of Ben's clay work to always remember the week they spent learning and creating work inspired by his exhibit.
Each child had the chance to pick a piece of clay that Ben had created that spoke to them. There was a reverence each child displayed while carefully choosing a piece of Ben's art to keep forever. I know it was extremely special and moving to them because suddenly children wanted to share this feeling with me by gifting me pieces of their artwork to remember them by too.
I was so humbled that as many of the children said goodbye, they also handed me one of their clay tablet prints to keep. They will always be special keepsakes to me and displayed in my private studio for others to enjoy too.
What an amazing end to a week focused on such an amazing man. In the end, the children took home not only many beautiful artworks inspired by Ben Lim but also his kind and generous spirit thanks to his family.
What a beautiful tribute to a long and lovely life.
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