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| 6/10/2008 3:48:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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Dan and Kathy Hughes, owners of Kaleidoscope Art Studio, Rantoul, stand beside an example of student class artwork. The Hugheses will be teaching art classes for students this summer. |
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Let's paint purple spotted ponies together
By IAN WANG
For the Rantoul Press
Last winter Kathy and Dan Hughes opened their Kaleidoscope Art Studio, located at 117 N. Garrard St. in Rantoul, to teach art classes mainly for children but sometimes for seniors and for intergeneration classes.
Kathy, a specialist in art education, received her BA degree in art education from Purdue University in 1972. Then she taught art at Urbana Middle School for 10 years before she went to study a master's degree course in art education at UIUC and graduated in 1995. She taught art classes for 12 years at the College for Kids program at Parkland College. She also taught children's Saturday art classes for the U of I Art School.
Kathy's husband, Dan Hughes, has also been an educator for most of his career. He graduated from Purdue University in 1969 with a BA degree in radio and television. Apart from serving in the U.S. Air Force at the former Chanute Technical Center from 1969 to 1973, he worked 26 years at Parkland College as the manager of WPCD.
Teaching and especially art education have been their passion and career.
Last year the Hugheses discovered that none of the Rantoul schools offered art class except RTHS. As experts in education, they understand the importance and benefits of art education in the full development of children.
To fill in the gap and to do what they love to do, they bought a property on Garrard Street, renovated it into an art studio and named it "Kaleidoscope Art Studio" because they realize the power of art and that art is always changing.
When any circumstance or element related to the art changes, the art changes as well. It is like when you look through a kaleidoscope; any time you turn it, its colors, shapes and lights change.
The couple will begin this summer offering three well-designed and organized classes beginning June 30:
• Basic Sketching and Drawing (for fourth grade through adults). A beginning sketch-and-drawing class for students of all ages and ability levels.
• 3D Crafts (for fourth grade through adults). Students in this class will begin with making fiber baskets then move on to other projects as time allows.
Metal Detecting and Treasure Hunting (for fifth grade through adults). This is both a class room teaching and hands-on practice with field trips and technical instructions.
If you have never participated in any art class before, or if you are reluctant to take part in an art project, you might be in a situation identified by Kathy as the phenomena of "creativity procrastination":
"Where have all the artists gone? You're out there. I know you are. You are currently in hiding. First of all, just the description 'artist' (or writer, poet, actor, etc.) strikes terror in your heart. That neon sign blinking 'I'm not good enough to even think the title, much less say it out loud' is emblazoned in your being, but, deep down, you know and feel that creativity is a part of who you are, your soul. It fights with you and longs to be honored and recognized.
"Can you remember a time when you picked up a paint brush or those large crayons and painted-colored with energy and joy? You put your whole self into your work, moving your arm and entire body, and created tales to go with your pictures. You were probably very young, and the adults found your creations of purple spotted ponies, lollipop trees and suns with fingers 'precious.'
"Your efforts were applauded and encouraged. Then something happened. As you grew older, inner and outer critics began taking over and judging your creations. They arrived in the form of words, looks, comparisons and grades. You were measured against someone else's criteria. This is when many of us began hushing our purple spotted pony voice. It needed to be locked away in a safe place.
"Picasso said it took him years to learn to draw like a child. That freedom! That freshness! Children know they are creative. They have the confidence to draw anything.
"Just watch a 4-year-old at work. What color to use, how to lay out the picture, where to put what, are all non-issues. They don't just stare at the white page contemplating how to begin. They work with enthusiasm, unhindered by the outside world.
"If asked about something in their picture they answer in a tone of disbelief that it isn't apparent.
"Discovery, it's all about discovery. That inner voice has been squelched for so long. We procrastinate. We deny. We're busy. We're tired. There's no time. Who cares anyway? You Do. Your inner soul does. It is who you are. Listen to that voice. Discover meaning. Confront the fear. Discover your safe place. Decide you matter. Rediscover the artist you are."
"Now stop shaking before you get a number on the Richter scale and let's go paint purple spotted ponies together!"
Kathy and Dan are calling. Their summer classes may change all that and may make a lasting impact on the rest of your life.
For any inquiry, please contact Kathy Hughes at Kaleidoscope Art Studio, 117 N. Garrard, Rantoul, IL 61866. Tel. (217) 351-1680. E-mail: Kathy@room200.com
Website http://room200.com
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