The Catlin Public Library District applied for and received a 2008 LSTA grant for $68,607 for the creation of “Art for the Fun of It” art groups for children at six rural east central Illinois libraries. Each library received art books, supplies and equipment to support the programs.
We publicized the programs in local media and through flyers at schools, with sign-ups required to control for group size. The program coordinator ran a series of three interactive art groups at each library, targeting children in grades K-4.
Local volunteers and library staff did follow-up programs. The children learned art techniques and art history, completing several unique projects. They displayed some of those projects at the local libraries.
Some other highlights:
- Staff and volunteer training session at the Danville Art League
- New art books and DVD’s, picture books about art and books by award winning illustrators
- The creation of art kits filled with books and supplies to be checked out by families
- New families discovering the library because of the art programs
- A well stocked art cart at each library
- Digital camera, color photo printer, desk top laminator and overhead projector at each library
- Local artists used the library to teach art to children- for example, this summer over 80 kids made clay sculptures that were fired in a local ceramic artist’s kiln
Several Cub Scout dens met at the library throughout the year to work on projects for their art requirements- Each library displayed artwork by the youngest patrons