UIU Saturday Art Program molds young area artists
 |
|
Young area artists work with clay during |
FAYETTE, Iowa (March 31, 2011) – The Upper Iowa University Art Department has wrapped up another successful year of the Saturday Art Program, drawing 45 students from grade 1-6, according to organizer John Siblik, UIU associate professor of art.
“Parents are especially pleased that we offer art programming to area youth.” said Siblik. “This is a wonderful collaboration of our UIU art students and our student art teachers. It’s a learning experience for the UIU students as well as the young artists who attend the classes.”
Siblik noted that UIU art education student teachers served as lead teachers for both sections of the art program. Heather Wagner of West Union was the lead teacher for the grades 1 -3 section with Janelle Pearson(Vernon Hills, Ill.) as the lead teaching assistant. Jenna Smith of Cedar Falls and Daphne Barness of Calmar team-taught the grades 4-6 group. Grades 1-3 studied the techniques of Vincent Van Gogh, working with painted papier-mâché. The older group studied the Moche culture of South America and worked in clay. They also studied medieval craft techniques such as embossing and worked with thin sheets of brass.
“Not only did we have a great turn as far as our young art enthusiasts were concerned, but many Upper Iowa students from Drawing and Ceramics Classes were really glad they got involved and had a great time working with the kids.” said Siblik.
UIU student volunteers include: Miranda Allspach, Parkersburg; Tremane Wren, Chicago, Ill.; Kayla Ludwigson and Nikki Boggs, La Crosse Wis.; Jake Nelson and Kurt Bearinger of Oelwein; and Bileg Trevhinbileg of Mongolia.
“These volunteers brought a great deal of fun and excitement, and the kids really loved working with our UIU students and enjoyed the art lessons provided by our student art teachers.”
Siblik said UIU hopes to offer the Saturday art classes again in 2012.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.