April 2010

Washable Markers & Glittery Marbles


 





The Drawing Board
Art Instruction's Newsletter
April 2010
In this issue...  

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"When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not." -Georgia O'Keefe

This is the 18th issue of the "Young @ Art" Newsletter. We have some exciting new classes & Summer camps coming up this Spring and Summer! We also need your feedback about some future Parent & Child Art Retreats that we will be introducing!

Cheap Markers vs. Good Washable Markers
 
color mrkr

Have you noticed lately, that there are a lot of seemingly good marker sets out there that are very cheap ($1.00)? I have seen them at Michael's Crafts and at Target, and have even bought some for my toddler. I can't seem to find any information on whether they are actually safe for children, but I have noticed first-hand that they are usually NOT washable. I only know this because my 2-year old tends to draw on everything - including herself, and I have had difficulty removing it from her hands, etc...
If you have young children, and are concerned, I would recommend only buying your child markers which say "washable," like the classic Crayola or RoseArt markers. (Some "Washable" markers don't completely wash off with water, but require soap and water. )

For older children (ages 8 & up) I think those cheap markers are probably OK for them to use, and might be helpful if you have a prolific artist, since they are much more economical. Hopefully someday there will be more safety information about all markers & pens.

Note: Sharpies and Smencils (scented pens & pencils) both contain small levels of xylene, and can cause irritation with prolonged exposure to the fumes. According to online articles, they are considered safe to use for children if they are using them occasionally.

 

Parent & Child Artist Retreats
 
prnt&chldlav

We are looking at offering some Parent & Child Artist Retreats beginning next year. If you would be interested, please fill out our questionnaire and let us know which destinations would interest you. We are still in the planning stages for these and welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have. These artist retreats would be a great way to bond with your child while you both have fun creating art and enjoying some time away from home.

Go to the Questionnaire HERE

 

Summer Art Camps
 
Register Now!
Summer Camp Logo 2010

If you haven't registered for Summer Art Camp yet, now is the time...

Issaquah
The following camps will be held in Issaquah, and registration has already begun. You can register online by clicking on the camps below:

Nature Drawing Camp (August 16 - 20, Issaquah)

The "Art of Nature" Camp (August 23-27, Issaquah)

Renton
The following camps will be held in Renton and registration for them begins Tuesday, April 13 for Renton residents, and Tuesday April 20th for everyone else. For more information, click on the camps below:

Doll House Crafts & Doll Art Camp (June 21 - 25, Renton)

All Around Arts Camp (June 28 - July 2, Renton)

The "Art of Nature" Camp (July 6 - 9, Gene Coulon Beach Park)

Drawing & Painting Camp (July 12 - 16, Renton)


Glittery Marbles!
 
clay marbles

We just made these fancy clay marbles last week in Art Camp, and they were a big hit! They are easy to make, but require a little patience, since they take some time to dry and cook between steps. They would make an awesome gift for a friend, and could be made at a sleep-over party as party-favors, if you have some time. For Instructions, click here.


Upcoming Drawing & Painting Classes
 
logo

At the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery:

Nature Drawing (Ages 6-11, May 8 - June 12)
Pen & Ink Drawing (Ages 8 - 14, May 8 - June 12)

At the Renton Community Center:

Drawing with Color (Age 6-11, 6 Saturdays, April 17 - May 22)
Fashion Illustration (Age 8 - 14, 6 Saturdays, April 17 - May 22)
Nature Watercolor (Age 6-11, May 29 - June 26)
Pastel Passion (Age 8-14, May 29 - June 26)

Preschool Classes in Issaquah:

Ages 3-4
Ages 4-5





We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Young @ Art! Feel free to contact us with any questions, or comments. We welcome any feedback about our classes or newsletter. Thank you!

Sincerely,


Crystal R. Pyren
The Drawing Board Art Instruction