Young artists paint ‘plein-air.’ Courtesy/FLACFLAC News:
This year, an informal group of educators put together a schedule of monthly experiences for families who home school their children.
This month it is Fuller Lodge Art Center’s turn to offer a field trip experience, and they are inviting, not only the students, but their parents as well. Children are invited to come to the Art Center with or without their parents 1-3 p.m. Thursday, April 16.
The introductory part of the afternoon involves taking a quick trip around the gallery to look at the art in the current exhibit “Canyons, Mesas, Mountains, Skies,” and try to see the differences between art created while looking at nature and art created by looking at a photograph of nature. The practice of working outdoors and experiencing the fresh air while painting is called plein-air.
The participants will gather some art supplies and walk over to Ashley Pond where Art Center Director Ken Nebel will teach them how to use their fingers to create “view finders” to frame their scene, and then they will paint. This experience is timed near Earth Day to help students gain a different appreciation of how our environment influences us.
Anyone interested in participating Thursday afternoon is asked to register ahead by calling 505.662.1635, so that the Art Center can prepare the materials. The fee is $5 per participant to cover the cost of the art supplies.
The past Home School Field Trips have included the Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico Wildlife Center, and the Pajarito Environmental Education Center. The May experience will be with the Los Alamos History Museum. A list may be viewed at http://fullerlodgeartcenter.com/Homeschool.shtml.
Fuller Lodge Art Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday at 2132 Central Ave. Admission is always free.
