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From the mouths of babes

Kids from USI's Children's Learning Center promote the upcoming annual art show

April 4, 2016

Kids from USI's Children's Learning Center promote the upcoming annual art show.

Creative little minds have been active and little hands have been busy painting, sculpting, gluing and drawing for the Annual Children's Learning Center Art Show. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15, visit the Children's Learning Center you can be the proud owner of an original piece of handmade artwork created by 2 to 5-year olds.

The art show is one of the ways USI celebrates the Week of the Young Child, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Week of the Young Child recognizes early childhood programs and lays the foundation for children's success in school and later life.

The Parents Advisory Committee assisted Jamie Madigan, manager of USI's Children's Learning Center, in planning this year's show. Children collaborated on paintings with residents of Solarbron, a living community for senior citizens. Volunteers helped the children create two wooden benches for auction, featuring the children's hand painted wooden circles outlining the edges of the benches.

I had the opportunity to talk to some of the children about their work and the upcoming events.

Regan and Mason age 5

Q: I've heard that your artwork was chosen to be printed on this year's art show t-shirt. That had to be a great honor for you both. Could you tell me a little about your design?

R: Mason made a monster and I made a dinosaur.

Q: The bench collaboration was impressive. What was the process like?

R: We put little circles and glued them into the holes, and then we put sandpaper on it to make them fit.

Q: Mason, do find recurring themes in your work?

M: I like to draw people and I like to draw some hearts.

Dylan age 4

Q: In anticipation of this upcoming art show, how have you prepared and how do you feel about this eagerly awaited event?

A: I feel pretty good about the art show. I made a picture of the water and I also made a house in the sun.

Q: I'm seeing these lovely paint-dipped cups. Could you tell me about the process that went into this particular piece?

A: I liked doing the cups because you get to paint polish color, and then draw a circle in a water bucket and then you dip the cup in.

Karl age 3

Q: This painting you're working on is captivating with tons of visual appeal. What can you tell me about it?

A: It's blue. I'm going to name it Parky Wonks.

The children have spoken, show them your support. Here's what is happening for the Week of the Young Child and how you can participate.

Children's Campus-wide Parade

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, the children will make a loop around campus. Wear bright-colored t-shirts, make a sign or just cheer them on as you see them pass by.

Hacienda Give Back Night

Thursday, April 14 - All day

Hacienda will donate 20 percent of visitor's purchases to the Children's Learning Center.

How to participate: Pick up a flyer at the front desk of the Children's Learning Center to bring along when you have lunch or dinner at Hacienda on April 14.

CLC 3Children's Learning Center Annual Art Show

3 p.m. - 5 p.m. April 14 and 15 at the Children's Learning Center

The children have been very busy making a variety of creative pieces that will be sold for $5 each. Those who purchase over $50 of children's work, get a reduced rate of $3 for each additional purchase over $50.

Marble paintings, paint-dipped cups, sculptures, wind chimes, stuffed snakes will be available and much more.

Silent Auction

Numerous items will be available for bidding, such as:

Stop by the Children's Learning Center between 3 and 5 p.m. April 14 and 15 to place your bids. Bids will not be accepted by phone or email.

For more information contact Jamie Madigan at 812-464-1869 or jrmadigan@usi.edu.

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