Teach Them How to Make Art

One of my Teen Journaler with Happy Fingers 

I'd like to introduce you to Elizabeth Sandifer today. Elizabeth works with displaced and at risk women at the Foundation for the Mid South in Jackson, MS. So many of us serve our communities and one of the reasons to share Elizabeth's work today is to give ideas, support and encouragement for those of you who try to bring art to kids and at-risk folks.

We work with very tight budgets and/or out-of-pocket.

Here are some of Elizabeth's ideas. 

by Elizabeth Sandifer

"The circle is a cutout from a Styrofoam plate I had used with paint.  The picture is one I found somewhere and really loved.  I cut it out and pasted it on top of the circle and then added the E and wrote the slogan

Magazines, cut up and used as stencils

Fabric Flowers

Tracing of a foot made into a face. How fun is that?

Things from the drawer

From Elizabeth's email: "Each lady was given a composition book ($1.00) – a set of paints – ($1.00) – a set of colored pencils ($1.00) – a glue stick ($.25). I brought tons of fabric scraps, magazines, gesso and other items in my stash of stuff."  

E says "Using Composition Books for Art Journaling. They are in expensive and such a fun ... way to work.The pages were first painted with gesso – I have found a small can of white house paint is also a great way to improvise – it is inexpensive and goes a long way. Then the back grounds are different colors  - I keep a stash of plastic cards – gift cards, pre credit cards you get in the mail – to spread the paint around. I purchase inexpensive acrylics from the Dollar Tree so each lady can have their own little set of colors."

It doesn't take too much: a couple of volunteers, a few bucks (back sales, raffles, begging your friends) and some time. Oh yes! And willingness. 

I thank you, Elizabeth, for the work you do. And everyone of you who volunteers their hearts and their time.

Comments

[Terry Getz]

this is a great post. i especially enjoyed the "foot into a face" exercise, very creative! in my creativity class with seniors we also art journal into composition books and enjoy them. for those that like to do the writing the lined pages are comfortable, but the lines are easily covered for the arters. once the pages are wet and dried they make a delicious crackling noise when turned which adds to the experience. also thanks to elizabeth for the great ideas and work she does and thanks diana for posting it.

[lyle baxter]

nice! 3 cheers for all of you who try to bring sunshine into otherwise dreary lives! long years ago I worked with handicapped kids . art was part of my job and I'll never forget hope happy those kids were when I'd say today we ae going to paint, draw, glue etc. fun for them and pleasure for me!

[Wendy]

What a fantastic thing - to teach people that self expression doesn't have to cost much at all. Some schools don't have much in the way of art resources and certainly the kids at home don't so working with 'found' materials is a wonderful.

I love the ideas and will see if I can use some in the classroom. I can see feet and hand animals!

[joanne]

Wonderful post made me smile like foot into face

[Diana Trout]

That must have been a most satisfying job, Lyle. Those are the moments that stick with you for a lifetime

[Diana Trout]

One of the projects Id like to do over the next year is to put together all of the posts on this topic: making art for cheap for schools and foundations, etc.
Its on the calendar

[Diana Trout]

Good observation on the comp books - lines can be easily covered. I have my students glue two pages together to make the paper sturdier. Oh Yes! that crackling noise is awesome. Thanks for that detail and for commenting

[Diana Trout]

Foot into face... that made ME smile, Joanne. thanks for your comment

[Wendy]

That would be a wonderful project Diana. Projects that cost little, have been tested out and bring joy to the maker. Make sure that Duct Tape Journals are on the list!!

[Diana Trout]

Definitely in some stockings around here Wendy. Wont that be fun for the maker!

[Elizabeth Woodford]

Loved meeting Elizabeth and seeing her work!! i am trying to get something going with a domestic Violence group down here- for both the kids and the women!! Art Saves Lives!! I kno , I know , I am preaching to the CHoir!!!!Big Hugs Ms D!!!

[Diana Trout]

Right back atcha, E. Big holiday hug! It takes a lot of time and effort to get these things started, doesnt it? Ive made many fizzled attempts over the years and some that went on for long periods of time.

[Kathy NESI]

Thanks for reminding us that quality doesn't need to come from quantity! I love composition books too! Best time to buy...august during all those back to school sales!

[Diana Trout]

and the writing surface in those composition books is perfect! So smooth! Thanks for commenting Kathy