Listen to a read-along with the librarian of Ablaze with Color, A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Henry followed by a shape and color activity and art project. Then, using Alma Thomas’ bold and colorful style as inspiration, young artists will create their own collages. Through the process of collaging colorful paper mosaics, children will explore shapes, patterns, and vibrant color.

Begin with a delightful read-along of Peter Reynolds' inspiring book Playing from the Heart with a local librarian and then dance in creative activity. After, drawing inspiration from the story, students will let the music move them as they dance to the beat. Once warmed up and our creativity has been ignited, we’ll translate our experiences onto canvas through expressive drawings.

Meet artists, Picasso and Matisse, through a read-along with our librarian in When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden. Afterwards, channeling the spirit of Pigasso and Mootisse in an abstract activity, we will embark on a mask-making adventure. Using a variety of materials, we’ll design masks that reflect our creativity and individuality.

Collage Project: Hand Cut Motor Skills 

Inspired by Jeanette Winter's tale Henri's Scissors, little artists will learn about artist Henri Mattise in a read-along by librarian/teacher. The collage project will focus on honing fine motor skills through hand-cutting techniques.

Stamps and Prints 

Inspired by Amy Newbold’s story, If Monet Painted a Monster, artists will learn about shape identification and the historical artist, Monet, through a read-along performed by the visiting librarian. They construct their own monster portrait masterpieces through a series of printmaking styles and handmade shape based stamps.