It’s unanimous, ‘Kids Love Art’
Saturday Art Program at UIU 
FAYETTE, Iowa (March 3, 2008) -- Art professor John Siblik deemed his 2008 Saturday Art Program “a rousing success.” This is the second consecutive year that Siblik has offered the program for students in grades 1 through 6 on Saturdays after the holiday break. This year’s program ran from Jan. 26 to Feb. 16 with 40 students attending sessions held on Upper Iowa University’s Fayette campus in the newly-renovated Edgar Fine Arts building.
“I was very happy with the response,” said Siblik. “I guess we have an art-hungry public here in Fayette County." He added, "Not only did we have a great
turnout as far as our young art enthusiasts, but students from all aspects of the university came and helped out.” Volunteers included students from UIU’s art club, student government and various sororities and fraternities.
Two Upper Iowa art education student teachers, Carlyn Wacker and Shanna Hamann, participated in the program. Both acted as lead teachers in two separate sections under Siblik’s overall supervision. “It was a win-win opportunity for everyone,” he said. “UIU students in art education gained valuable experience teaching art and area youth had a great experience and access to innovative art curriculum.”
“This was a great first-hand teaching experience for me,” said Wacker. “The students were excited to be there and seemed to have really enjoyed the program."
"The Saturday Art Program is a great experience for pre-service art teachers,” said Hamann. “It was good to have a real-life situation where you can learn about your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher.” She added, “I had a great time teaching the students, and it solidified my aspirations to be an art teacher."
The program was capped off with an open house on Feb. 16 to display the students’ work for family, friends, and community.
The Saturday Art Program is supported by a grant received from the Iowa Arts Council. For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu