Art Studio Gives Back to Community Through Library Program in Little Falls

By Tina Pappas

The Little Falls Public Library held a free seminar for some of its youngest patrons on July 19. A children’s book reading followed by a hands-on lesson in drawing was held by the owners of a local art studio.

Jerry and Karen Winick, owners of Pencilworks Studio, gave a presentation that consisted of reading children’s books that they recently wrote, illustrated and published. The three books, which chronicled Jerry’s love for drawing that developed when he was a young boy, was immediately followed with a drawing class he gave teaching children how to draw a dog, a cow and a cat.

The Winicks say they are happy to work with the library and give back to the community that has embraced them for so many years. It’s their second time hosting the program at the library.

“We have so many kids from Little Falls that come into the art studio that do paint parties and birthday parties,” Karen said. “We’ve written three children’s books and they’re about a little boy who loved to draw. It’s all about Jerry when he was young and used to get in trouble in school for drawing a lot.”

The books, “Gerald Draws His Friends,” “Gerald Draws His Teacher” and “Gerald Draws the Animals at the Zoo, Can You?” were published with the help of IngramSpark, an online self-publishing company.

Karen introduced the books prior to reading them, explaining to the young artists that the character Gerald in the books is about Jerry when he was a young boy.

“The stories are about Gerald, and actually Gerald is Jerry when he was a little kid,” she explained. “He loved to draw.”

Then Karen told the true story of how one day Gerald decided to start drawing in school and drew one of his teachers. Some of his classmates who were watching him began giggling. His teacher noticed the commotion and had Gerald bring up the drawing to the front of the room. Gerald became so nervous that he was going to get in trouble, but when the teacher looked at his drawing she said, “It looks just like me!”

“That was really when Jerry started drawing,” she said, adding that he also began drawing all of his relatives, including other animals and objects. “But his teachers always told him to hold off on drawing until after class because he needed to pay attention.”

Local resident and parent Erin Wilks thought it was great that Jerry and Karen offered the reading and art class for the kids at the library.

“It’s really exciting to see the children follow step-by-step and the Winicks are super patient with the kids,” she added. “My older daughter goes to their painting class on Tuesdays so now we can’t miss anything when they offer it.”

Children’s Librarian Linda Belen said she was pleased with the turnout of over 40 children.

“The response to Jerry and Karen Winick’s program at the library is overwhelming,” said Belen. “They do an awesome job teaching the kids to draw and we can’t be more pleased with so many children.”

Belen also emphasized the patience the Winicks have when it comes to art instruction with children.

“Jerry is always great with the kids, showing them how to draw when they come in,” she added. “They walk out with a product they can be proud of and I’m really thrilled with that.”

The books are available for purchase on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. They are also available at Pencilworks Studio, located at 96 Main Street. The Winicks also have their own website, http://www.geraldsdrawingadventures.com, where the books can be purchased.