American Artist Appreciation Month

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Each August we recognize the American artists who have enriched our lives. It’s also a good time to offer art-related programming for children and adults at your library. Here are some library programs offered for inspiration:

• The Northbrook Public Library teamed with its local YMCA’s visual arts program for children to display the children’s paintings, drawings, and ceramics. The exhibition kicked off with an opening reception with refreshments.
• The Chicago Public Library based its 2010 summer reading program on art. Titled “Reading Is Art-RAGEOUS,” the children’s program allowed kids to read about art and artists and nurture their own creativity.
• The West Dade Regional Library is partnering with ArtCenter/South Florida and the Florida Center for the Literary Arts for a children’s storytime that also allows children to create their own illustrated books. Program instructor and artist Maria Gonzalez inspires children ages four through eight.
• DeLand Area Public Library has an ongoing monthly program for elementary school children sponsored by the Museum of Florida Art.
• The City of Rancho Mirage Public Library hosted “Art of the Olympians.” The traveling exhibition features paintings in various media by past and present Olympic athletes that celebrate the talents, energy, and competitive spirit of the athletes and games that form the modern Olympics.
• The Atwood-Hammond Public Library District hosted a Listening Doll art program for children in grade four through six. Children found out about the oral traditions of Native American Pueblo communities and how small figures of people or animals were used to help tell stories. The children also created their own listening dolls from clay and fabrics.

And some resources for American artists: http://www.programminglibrarian.org/library/planning/events-and-celebrations/american-artist-appreciation-month.html