‘Children’s Impressions of Art’ at Emma Clark Library

'Children's Impressions of Art' at Emma Clark Library

Thirty-four works of art, inspired by the last 'Setauket Artists Exhibition' on display





	Madison Licalzi, 8, works on 'Pretty Sunflowers' inspired by Nataliya Ross's 'Sunflowers'. Courtesy Irene Ruddock (click for larger version)

February 02, 2010 | 12:49 PM
The idea was a simple one, four years ago. When the Neighborhood Artists had their annual show, in the fall in the Setauket Neighborhood House, Irene Ruddock would run a children's workshop entitled "Children's Impressions of Art." She would show the children the artists' work and then let the children's creativity take over.

Last fall, she had 34 children sign up for the now annual program and despite adding an additional workshop, had to turn more away. Many of the artists whose work were on display in the exhibit, stopped by. "The kids were kind of in awe of the artists ... They loved having them come." The artists even "helped the children with their paintings."

Noted Ruddock, when the children were given a tour of the exhibit, "it was cute — they'd find something (to inspire them) and that's what they wanted to do." The workshops were supposed to run to 5:30 but the children were so engrossed in what they were doing, "some nights we were there until 7."

The children's reasons for selecting the inspiration piece varied from Daniela Winson's "I picked this painting because I loved the ocean and the grass blowing in the breeze," to Rachel Suiker's "The picture I chose to paint reminded me of my grandma's kitchen ... My grandma and I make all of the food for the holidays," to Miranda Martinez's, "I liked the bright colors. I liked the tree because it was an interesting shape," and Madison Colombo's, "The woods are a mysterious place filled with wonder and life."

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The result of the last workshop is impressive. All 34 works of art done by the children and inspired by the last show are currently on display at the Emma Clark Library, Main Street, Setauket, in the children's room. The exhibit is scheduled to be on display for at least three more weeks and is open to the public during regular library hours.

In addition, thanks to a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, Ruddock was able to collect the children's art, together with their explanations of why they were inspired by certain pieces, into a book, "The Fourth Children's Art Workshop, 2009," which each child received.

Said Ruddock, "What an exciting experience this has been for these talented children! They enjoyed the tour of the exhibition, working with the artists, and of course having their paintings and stories published. As a teacher, it is so gratifying to see the children's creative efforts come together in an exhibit and a published book. They both remind us of just how charming and delightful children's art can be!" To order books, email Peace2429@optonline.net.

The Neighborhood Artists show will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next fall. The opening reception is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Setauket Neighborhood House, Main Street. And yes, Ruddock plans to hold children's workshops again.

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