“I’m Already an Artist”: AACI’s Children’s and Teens’ Art Exhibition

Even as the tiniest toddler, my son Simcha loved to create. When he disappeared into his bedroom and was “too quiet” for too long, he would be found, not getting into mischief, but drawing with his crayons — on paper, not on the wall! — or molding shapes of Play-Doh. A bead-stringing kit seemed like the perfect present for him at age six. But instead of threading necklaces, he took the enclosed plastic cord and strung it from one end of his bedroom to the other, adorned with the beads, as well as a wildly beautiful array of seashells, shiny buttons and other unusual objects. An onlooker commented, “Wow! Maybe you’ll be an artist when you grow up.” Simcha’s very dignified reply was: “I’m already an artist.”

Now you can meet some other Israeli youngsters who are already artists.

“With Brush and Pen,” AACI’s Children’s and Teens’ Art Exhibition, is opening Sunday, April 22. The exhibition entries may be viewed starting from 6:00 PM.  At 6:45 PM, the formal program begins. Prizes will be awarded, and several of the talented young artists will offer musical performances and readings of their written works.

For this, the second annual exhibition of its kind,  AACI expanded the definition of artwork beyond drawing and painting, resulting in a large increase in submissions. I just had a sneak preview of the exhibition this morning, and was amazed at the creativity on display. Media ranged from simple pencil or  pen, through marker, crayon, acrylic paints and oils, to ceramic figures and multimedia combinations. The young artists captured scenes from everyday life, fantasy, landscapes, portraits and abstracts. Pictures and sculptures of animals were particularly popular.  The artwork showed an impressive maturity of technique, combined with exuberant use of color together with youthful freshness and imagination.

You are invited to enjoy a very entertaining evening, and to support our budding artists. For reservations, please call (02)566-1181. Admission is free of charge. The exhibition will continue until June 15, 2012.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous donation by Gordon Sugarman in memory of Betsy Sugarman ז”ל to support this program.

 

AACI hosts exhibitions of art by olim of all ages on an ongoing basis, with new exhibits approximately every 2 months. We would love to have your feedback and participation. Please contact us if you wish to:

• submit a review or photographs of an exhibition, or 
• request inclusion in an upcoming exhibit (please include information about training, experience, previous shows, etc, and samples of your work — links to websites, digital photos, etc.

 

AACI Jerusalem – Dr. Max and Gianna Glassman Family Center, Pierre Koenig 37, corner of Poalei Tzedek 2, Talpiot    MAP
Buses # 21 & 49 stop on Pierre Koenig across from AACI; 71, 72, 74 & 75 stop  at Tzomet Habankim, a 10-minute walk away.

Calling all Children and Teens in Israel!

With Brush & Pen: an Exhibition of Art by Children & Teens in Israel

Do you like to draw or paint … or sculpt … or embroider … or collage … or write … or … ???  Would you like your artwork or story to be seen by hundreds of people? Would you like the chance to win a prize? Then bring your creation to the AACI center to enter it in our Children’s and Teens’ Art Exhibit, “With Brush & Pen.”  But hurry – the deadline is next Sunday, March 11th!

We gratefully acknowledge the generous donation by Gordon Sugarman in memory of Betsy Sugarman   ז”ל to support this program.

Click here for more information about entering the art exhibit.

The exhibition will be open to the public April-May, 2012 at AACI.

The AACI-Dr. Max and Gianna Glassman Family Center is at 37 Pierre Koenig/2 Poalei Tzedek, in Talpiot, Jerusalem. Telephone (02)5661181.
Click here for a map.
Buses # 21 & 49 stop on Pierre Koenig across from AACI; 71, 72, 74 & 75 stop  at Tzomet Habankim, a 10-minute walk away.

Reverse Mask: an Art Project for Kids 

Here is a fun artistic activity to get you in the Purim spirit. Usually on Purim we wear masks to disguise our faces, but this reverse mask will show your face and disguise the rest of you.

On the largest sheet of paper you can find: lie down with your arms slightly stretched out and the top of your head at least 5 cm below the top edge of the paper. Have a friend or parent trace your silhouette (outline) with a pencil. Try not to wiggle!

Cut out a hole where the face would be, then decorate your silhouette with paint, markers, glitter, fabric scraps … whatever you want.  Use the decorations to show who you really are, or who you would like to be. Be as creative as you like.

When you are finished, have someone take a picture of you peeking out the face hole of your “self-portrait.” You can print small versions of the photo and use them to decorate your mishloach manos.

Have fun!

My Country – Through the Eyes of Our Children and Teens

AACI is pleased and proud to host its first CHILDREN AND TEEN ART SHOW.  The aim of this project was to give children an opportunity to express themselves artistically on a subject they could all relate to – MY COUNTRY – and to show these pictures in celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut – Israel Independence Day.  The results have not been disappointing!

Pictures came to us from as far away as Kibbutz Hannaton in the north and Beersheva in the south, as well many places in the Jerusalem area.  The children from Hannaton are in an art chug led by Debbie Jacobson-Maisals.

As you will see, the pictures show happy faces, flowers, rainbows, soccer games, hearts, and lots of Israeli flags. The natural beauty of this country is reflected in pictures showing the majesty of the desert, the mystery of mountains, exquisite sunsets, and trips to Masada and to the nature reserve at Ein Gedi.

One of our artists must be an insect lover, because there is an impressively-detailed representation of an underground ant colony!   There are several jet planes, a three-dimensional map of Israel,

an image of Moses at Mt. Sinai, a picture of the Western Wall, one of the 7-branched Menorah, and a vision of Tel Aviv in the future. Some of the pictures came with notes on the back which said things like “I like visiting friends on Shabbat” and “Israel is where my friends are.” In brief, each of our artists, some of whom are only 5 years old, found something meaningful to draw, something that says MY COUNTRY in a personal way.

In addition, in the large gallery at the end of the hall we proudly display work by teenaged students of two private art instructors, Shmuel Lhungdim from Efrat and Naomi Ocean from Beit Shemesh.  Both Shmuel and Naomi teach oilcolor techniques and the canvases on show are most impressive.

Colorful landscapes and nature studies are balanced by portraits and still-life studies.  Some of these young artists are obviously attempting to perfect their skills by studying the work of great European painters of the past and trying to emulate their examples, an approach to art training which has been used for hundreds of years. 

Finally, three of these young painters show works which return us to the theme of MY COUNTRY – a panoramic view of our eternal capital city Jerusalem, a moving image of soldiers at the Western Wall, and a wonderfully textured study of the Western Wall.

To the parents, grandparents and teachers who encouraged and supported these youngsters and facilitated their participation in this exhibit go our heartfelt thanks.

And to the young artists themselves, we say “Well done, each and every one of you!  May you continue to create beautiful pictures in the future!”

Please visit upi after Yom Hatzmaut, for an update which will include photos of some of the wonderful art.

With special thanks to Donna Grushka for this post and, of course, to her and her team for a delightful exhibit.

A Peek into “PEAK”

A new program called “PEAK”– a Place for English Activities for Kids– has now officially begun its activities at AACI’s new Dr. Max and Gianna Glassman Family Center in Jerusalem. I had the pleasure of speaking to PEAK’s dynamic volunteer coordinator, Fonda Weiss, who has many original and creative ideas for ways to engage children and teenagers in unique English-speaking activities.

PEAK launched its activities on September 20th with a very successful Sukkot arts & crafts workshop with over 60 attendees, most of them visiting AACI for the first time. 

 

First PEAK event at AACI's Max and Gianna Glassman Family Center in Jerusalem

A number of junior and high school students were involved in guiding the younger kids, and in taking individual photos of the kids for future PEAK membership cards. A huge thank you to Fonda for her organization, and to all the volunteers who made the event such a success.

How does PEAK differ from regular after school activities? Fonda explains that she hopes for PEAK to establish a new paradigm, by creating a place and structure for kids to make decisions and take initiative in deciding what they want to do. Developing volunteer leaders to run activities is an important goal of PEAK. Fonda also wants to tap into the unique synergy which takes place when young children, youth and teenagers interact. Volunteers will participate in training sessions to develop their skills and confidence in working with children. An added bonus of volunteering with PEAK is the opportunity to meet other English speaking peers in Jerusalem and to make new friends.

Fonda has been conducting market research to discover the interests of Jerusalem youth. She envisions the creation of a clubhouse where kids of all ages will come together to put on shows, play games, share hobbies, dialogue, do projects, read and enjoy one another’s company.

Dates and times of PEAK events will be announced in future AACI e-newsletters and in “The Voice.”

How can you get involved?
• Adult volunteers are needed to join either a goal-setting “board” for PEAK, or a hands-on PEAK steering committee.
• Teenager volunteers are need to help run PEAK activities. Volunteers will be trained.
• The donation of a portable stereo system with CD player, double cassette player, USB port and speakers (to amplify into a crowded room) would be greatly appreciated for future PEAK activities.
• Donations for supporting PEAK activities are also welcome!

Fonda is considering changing the words behind PEAK to a Place for Expression & Action for Kids, and she welcomes your feedback.

To volunteer or for further information about PEAK, please contact Fonda Weiss at peak4kids@gmail.com.