For the past three years, The ARTree has worked with the community twice a month for nine months out of each year. We believe that this brings us in direct contact with families in the area, and allows us to demonstrate the kind of work we do in our classrooms throughout the year. Our art programs regularly serve from 200 to 300 children and adults at each event we participate in. The activities are The ART SLAM, held the first Thursday of every month, and SENSES, which is the third Thursday of every month.
Each is a unique event in its approach to art. ART SLAM’s main interest is exposing local artists to Santa Clarita residents, so our projects are more art-inspired depending on the theme.
For instance, at the last ART SLAM, the theme was cars and our activity was painting car parts… nuts bolts, gears, and other auto-related items.
SENSES, on the other hand, is a party atmosphere approach. September’s theme was “Alice in Wonderland,” and we made Mad Hatter hats from shopping bags.
One of my biggest joys at The ARTree booth is helping kids get started in an activity, turning them loose, then watching them create their art once they get comfortable with the materials.
The other day I had one of those moments that are not to be forgotten.
A very shy little girl was working on a necklace and was having a hard time with it. Her parents were nearby, but involved in conversation with friends.
I especially noticed her father, who looked like he was talking business with a friend, and would glance over every once in a while, wanting to break away to help. He was trying to be courteous to his friend and was waiting for the right moment to break away. I started helping the little girl, and after a while I felt I was stealing a special moment from the father.
So I gestured to him to come and help. He immediately took that opportunity to come join us. She was halfway done when he joined in… they finished and were off. But her necklace came undone and everything scattered on the ground. Her father immediately picked up the parts and completely re-assembled it with her in minutes.
Family is an important part of what we do; especially getting parents involved with what their children are doing in the arts.
That is why The ARTree exists – to give the community those special moments.