Library to display children’s artwork

Brumback Library information

As part of its 97th annual Summer Reading Program, the Brumback Library offered children a myriad of creative programs and exciting activities in June and July. Local award winning artist Sally M. Geething, along with 400 children who registered for this year’s program, helped to create two paintings entitled “Dream Big” to coincide with this year’s Summer Reading Program theme.

As part of her “Paint It Designs” project, Geething sketched each canvas with color, theme, and style (including many small areas of the work to be painted by the program’s participants). Her subject sketches included baseballs, footballs, basketballs and animated characters, as well as teachers, ministers, doctors, etc., that area children dream about becoming in the future.

One at a time, the artists then chose a square on the canvas to paint while Geething offered suggestions, while working outside on the Library’s lawn for several days. In addition, the artist worked with registered Summer Reading participants from the YWCA and Wee Care Learning Center.

“Four hundred children and one teacher,” Geething said, adding, “After the project’s completion, I took a two-hour nap. All in all, though, I had lots of fun!”

The colorful results provided the children with a wonderful opportunity for self-expression. The two 24-by-30 inch masterpieces are currently being framed and may soon be viewed in the Children’s Department of the Brumback Library.

“The Dream Big paintings will be a wonderful addition to the art collection which currently exists in the Children’s Department,” said Children’s Librarian Ann Kirkendall. “The children’s enthusiasm and work, along with Sally’s artistic expertise, will long remain a pleasant memory of 2012’s program.”