Children’s art classes a popular summer item each year

By Colleen Gundlach

The children of Norfolk had the opportunity on June 22 and 23, to study art with students enrolled in the Yale Summer School of Art. Each year, 26 undergraduate art majors are selection from institutions around the country and abroad to study at the Norfolk program.

Four of these participants dedicated two days to instructing Norfolk children in a special art program conducted at Botelle School. Mauricio Cortes and Candy Brown, painting and printmaking majors; Adam Pape, photography major; and Tammy Logan, who specializes in sculpture, led the children in projects in seeing themselves through the eyes of an artist. From mini self portraits to full body tracing, they used materials such as shaving cream and clay to express themselves and create beautiful artwork.

The tradition of a children’s summer art program began in 1999, when the group would meet at Meadowbrook and the seniors would join in with the children in the art classes. “This is a gift to the town,” says Sam Messer, Director of Yale Summer School of Art, “in keeping with the intent of Ellen Battell, who wanted her property to be a cultural resource.

These classes were conducted free of charge, and were open to all children of kindergarten age and up.