What a fine two weeks three dozen children and teens had at the Cedar Key Arts Center this summer! From July 9 until July 20, these students experienced myriad media and created amazing productions.
On July 20, from 10 to 11:30 am, the Elementary Summer Art Program and the Teen Art Program Exhibition took center stage on the second floor of the Arts Center. Among the celebrants at the exhibition were Levy County Commissioner Lilly Rooks and Cedar Key Arts Center President Susan Rosenthal. Rosenthal enjoyed the show and declared the Summer Art Program “excellent.” “The kids are so genuine, “she said, “and their art is marvelous.”
Jessie Rothfarb, art teacher from Polk County, used as her theme for the elementary students, “Inspiration and Art.” Indeed, inspired and artful they were. The twenty-plus elementary students wrote journals, drew and colored portraits, created backgrounds, tie dyed t shirts, sculpted, produced landscapes, manipulated clay, gel painted, and pendulum painted.
The teen students produced multi-colored silk paintings with teacher Virginia Stevenson, clay pieces and drawings with Paula Willis, photography collage making with Susan Johnson, and silk screening with Bunny Hand.
Rothfarb is at home in Cedar Key, though she lives and works in Polk County. Her family goes back generations; she herself has summered in Cedar Key as she grew and went through school. Her grandmother still lives here. She enjoys the Summer Art Program time as it gives her time to “hang out with her grandma,” she says. Giving kids choices, allowing them to make decisions, and encouraging them to try new things is much of what Rothfarb enjoys about teaching youngsters.
Silk screen instructor, a ten-year art teacher veteran herself, Bunny Hand, applauded the students, as well. ‘Cedar Key kids are so resourceful,” she said. “They find new ways to do things and use materials. It’s exciting to work with kids like these.”
Miki and Raya Ng, with their mother and grandfather Joe Hand close by, explained their works, pictured here with their names upon them, to Cedar Key News staff. “I had a great two weeks…and I liked my teacher,” explained Miki.” “Miss Jessie was great,” attested Raya.
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