KidzArt Official Blog

While students are preparing to head back to school in August and early September, many  parents will be investigating and evaluating afterschool programs that can enhance their children’s education and offer them a safe haven during post school hours. 

Raising awareness and advocating for quality, affordable afterschool programs for children is a critical social and political endeavor.  The AfterSchool Alliance, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC dedicated to this cause, is garnering nationwide attention via its Lights On AfterSchool campaign.   

On October 16th, 2008, thousands of people will be attending events throughout the nation to celebrate the importance of afterschool programs.  From kids and teachers to principals and politicians, communities will be coming together to support this initiative.  

National sponsors like KidzArt will be conducting these public events in the hopes of making people and local or national policymakers aware of the funding needs in this area so every kid can partake in an organized activity or have a safe place to go after school.

read comments (0)

Recycle your packing materials into Sculptural ART by Chris Cruikshank, Curriculum Development, KidzArt 

Supplies:
Toothpicks

Packing foam  peanuts (cellulose or plastic)

Water containers for cellulose peanuts

Rigid Molded Packing foam (the kind that has been sized to protect the item packed, like a radio or computer)

Spray paint or acrylic paint and brushes  (optional)
 
Project #1 Using cellulose peanuts (the kind that dissolve in water) :
1. Dip the end of a peanut into a small container of water
2. Press the wet end of a peanut to another peanut–magic—it sticks together!
3. Build up a form using this simple process

Project #2  Using plastic peanuts, toothpicks, and molded foam
1. Carefully insert a toothpick into the peanut
2. Stick the other end into molded plastic foam
3. Build a sculpture using this process
4. Spray paint or hand paint

read comments (0)