Waterville Creates celebrates Black History Month by highlighting Maine artist Ashley Bryan
The Beautiful Blackbird art kit will be distributed Feb. 25.
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Four-year-old Naomi Shirley creates her Beautiful Blackbird-inspired collage from a special Art Kit for All to celebrate the artwork and legacy of Maine artist Ashley Bryan in honor of Black History Month. Contributed photo
In honor of Black History Month, Waterville Creates, together with the Colby College Museum of Art, Kennebec Montessori School, Waterville Public Schools and the Family Violence Project, has created a special Art Kit for All to celebrate the artwork and legacy of Maine artist, Ashley Bryan. The February art kit is inspired by Bryan’s award-winning book, “Beautiful Blackbird,” a copy of which will be included in each art kit, according to a news release Shannon Haines, president and CEO of Waterville Creates.
According to a story by WABI, and in honor of Black History Month, Waterville Creates has teamed up with Colby College Museum of Art, Kennebec Montessori School, Waterville Public Schools and the Family Violence Project, to created a special Art Kit for everyone to celebrate the artwork and legacy of Maine artist, Ashley Bryan.
Ashley Bryan is an American artist, writer, and illustrator of children’s books, and the majority of his subjects are derived from the African-American experience.
Waterville Creates President, Shannon Haines says:
“His captivating storytelling and vivid collage work make his books a treat for all ages, and it is our hope that these art kits will inspire families to not only read and create together but also to learn more about Bryan’s work.”
Winter Solstice Luminary Project to include Waterville students, families
Kits to be distributed to area schools Thursday, Dec. 17.
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Kacie Gerow with daughter Roslyn Gerow. Photo by Tony Gerow.
The Winter Solstice Luminary Project will expand and amplify the Art Kits for All program across Waterville, literally lighting up the city by providing luminary kits to approximately 1,600 students enrolled in the Waterville Public Schools.
Waterville Creates, in collaboration with community partners, including the Colby College Museum of Art, Kennebec Montessori School, Waterville School District, Family Violence Project, Waterville Parent Teacher Association, Northern Stars Planetarium, and the Children’s Discovery Museum will distribute kits to area schools on Thursday, Dec. 17. The free kits will include materials for two luminaries per kit along with battery-operated candles. Students and their families are encouraged to place the crafted luminaries at their homes and busin