Now she knew her set of watercolors was always with her, wherever she went.
She could bring them out and "paint" her surroundings with happiness.
All she had to do was look closely to find the colors.
And paint in the rest with a smile.

-WUD

Hi Everyone! Here (at last) is the 13th issue of the "Young @ Art" e-newsletter. There is an article about staying inspired to continue making art as an adult, as well as with your children. In this issue, you can also meet our Summer Art camp instructors, and find out about our summer workshops, classes & camps. Hope you all have a great and artful summer!

- Crystal R. Pyren

"Summer Artsy Picnic"
(Family Art Event)

Items needed:
Picnic basket
large picnic blanket
Fruit
snack items
drinks/ sodas
Sketch books(one for each family member)
colored pencils (or watercolor pencils)
erasers
Small portable CD player & classical CD
Sunscreen and/or an artsy straw hat for each person

Instructions:
Pack picnic basket with food and art supplies. Drive or walk to nice park (see map of parks below). At park, sit and eat while drawing with family. Play classical music softly. Repeat whenever possible, and invite friends.

Nice parks with inspiring settings (map):

Inspiration

Over the last few weeks I have been painting a backdrop for my daughter's elementary school's auction during most evenings, while my husband watches our 3 children. The drop has significant meaning for me because not only has it given me an opportunity to create some art, but the auction's "Raise the Paddle" fundraiser will be directly funding the school's Art Docent Program.

While painting (apart from the turned-up radio blasting my favorite 80's music and NPR) I have had some time to myself to think. I have been reminiscing about my Mother (an amazing artist), and my childhood. I listened to an NPR interview about "transcendence," and another interview with an author talking about how he believes that people find their true interests in life - not when they are in their in their 20's, but when they are in their early teens. Interesting how these interviews were directly related to things I was was pondering myself.

Those radio interviews, along with my time alone painting and thinking have given me a newly found appreciation for my own art experiences as a child and also a renewed sense of purpose. I feel it is my ultimate purpose in life to bring artistic enjoyment and experience to children, especially in a time when art in school has been de-emphasized in favor of computer labs and preparation for standardized tests. I don't believe children are getting the same level of basic art instruction in many schools, like many of us did in the 70's and 80's. At home, many children are not being exposed to art as often, with fewer parents having time to do hands-on arts and crafts activities, like sewing, wood-working, etc... Adults and children alike are spending more time in front of the TV and computer and much less time creating art in their spare time. In addition, many of the old "tried and true" art project ideas (like embroidery and painting) have been pushed aside by packaged, pre-cut foam craft projects, pre-made scrapbooking materials, etc... Many people do "crafts" these days, without utilizing any of their own basic art skills or imagination, thus falling into a generic category of people who claim they "don't or can't draw (or paint)."

Here is a radio interview that addresses the question of why adults don't draw anymore. I hope that you enjoy it, and that it gives you a new-found inspiration to do more art with your child, as well as your own art!

Meet Our Summer Art Camp Instructors

Crystal

Crystal R. Pyren is the owner of the Drawing Board Art Instruction. She has worked as a scenic artist, painting scenery at many local theatres including Village Theatre, Seattle Opera, and the 5th Avenue Theatre. She has been teaching drawing and painting to children and families, in hopes of inspiring more children through art and helping them develop life-long art skills and fond memories. Crystal will be teaching at all of the Summer Art Camps this summer.

Patty

As the owner and artist of Makatura Murals, Patty creates beautiful hand-painted murals and fine art for all ages in both homes and businesses. She has been a professional artist for nearly two decades through her own business and as a scenic designer/artist for a number of theatres throughout the country and Seattle. She has been an instructor with The Drawing Board since January and also offers private and group art lessons for adults. Her "Artsy Party," an art party that comes to your home, is yet another new and exciting offering. Patty will be teaching at all of the Summer Art Camps this summer.

Amy

Amy Chase is a sophomore attending Chapman University. She graduated from Issaquah High School and has always loved art. She is a Public Relations and Advertising major with an Art minor. She is very excited to get involved and help kids have a blast painting and drawing. Amy will be teaching at the "All Around Arts" Camp (August 3 - 7)

Talisa

Tali Cook currently attends Western Washington University where she is studying Theater and Communications. She hopes to someday be an actress or a producer of a television series. She loves acting, singing, dancing, drawing, writing, and reading. Her favorite cartoon show is Sponge Bob Square Pants, because his house is a pineapple. Tali will be teaching at the Nature Drawing Camp (and possibly others).

Kelly

Kelly Chandler is a graduating senior at Issaquah High School. Starting in the fall, she will be attending the University of Washington with the hopes of possibly becoming a nurse. Art has always been her passion - from ceramics, to painting, to doodling - and is excited to be able to help younger children in nurturing their love for the arts this summer! Kelly will be teaching during the "Nature Drawing", " All Around Arts", and "Summer Artscapes" camps.

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

One-Day Workshops
Saturdays 12:00pm - 2:00pm

These workshops run all summer, and are each tailored to a certain age group. Please click on the link above for more info.

June 27 - Outdoor Watercolor Landscapes (on easels)
July 11 - Watercolor Postcards
July 18 - Nature Sketchbook Drawing
July 25 - Abstract Acrylics
August 1 - Make Your Own Paper Dolls
August 1 - Illustrate Your Own Poetry
August 8 - Draw An Ice Cream Sundae & Eat It!
August 15 - Clay Beads
August 15 - Acrylic Sunflowers
August 22 - Outdoor Watercolors at the Farmer's Market
August 29 - Harvest Still Lives

Summer Classes

Nature Watercolors
Paint with easels outside, make your own nature trading cards, and paint close-ups of insects, while learning watercolor basics.
June 27 - August 1 (No Class July 4)
9:30 - 11:00
Ages 7-14

Summer Drawing
Learn basic drawing skills and color blending techniques while drawing still-lifes and local scenes around Issaquah.
July 25 - August 29
9:30 - 11:00
Ages 6 - 11

Summer Camps

We have added spots to many camps and have also added a new week of camp! There is room available in many of the camps now. See you at camp!