12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L
F E B R UA RY 9, 2020
LOCALNEWS
Bringing the creativity to kids and parents By Vivianna Shields SIgnal Staff Writer
W Above: ARTree volunteer Emma Winter, left, leads a sponge art activity Saturday as Sage Coleman, 7, right, listens eagerly and her mother, Jessica, looks on. Below: Residents complete craft activities at the ARTree Community Arts Center. PHOTOS BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL
hen children and their parents visit the ARTree Community Arts Center’s free monthly art workshop, they only have to bring one thing: Their creativity. “Everyone has creativity,” said Michael Powell, chair and instructor of the program. “It is a passion of mine to create and ARTree gives me the opportunity to do that and share.” On the first Saturday of each month, ARTree hosts the free art workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving children and their parents an opportunity to participate in different art projects. Every month, the center creates three new art projects in their “Flutterby Art Studio,” so the community can explore art, said Sheri Carlson, education chair of the center. “Parents can sit next to their children and make something,” said Carlson. “It’s a chance to do something together.” Carlson said Powell is the “father of the program” and has been with the program since its start. Powell was first drawn to ARTree after observing teachers with their students at the center and Powell said the teachers looked like they were having fun with the students. Saturday’s workshop had a Valentine’s Day theme where guests could
paint Valentine’s cards along with other love-related projects. Parents helped their children with their projects, and others were seen completing ones of their own. Washable markers, Sharpies, paints and other art supplies covered the workshop as children utilized each one in their projects. Children worked diligently on their crafts, and once they completed them, they were sure to share their art with the group. “Eventually, we would like to expand the program on another night to be more geared towards adults,” said Carlson. “People don’t get enough chances to just create something.” ARTree volunteers helped at the event by guiding children through their crafts while others greeted families into the workshop. “Creativity is No. 1 in my life,” said ARTree volunteer Rick Rickson. “I think (this workshop) is wonderful for everyone and it doesn’t matter what age you are.” The Flutterby open art studio is appropriate for all ages and is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the city of Santa Clarita. “I think art is vital for the community because it gives people the opportunity to be creative,” said Carlson. For more information, email Michael Powell at michael@theartree.org. The next session is scheduled
City council honors a century of The Signal
Signal Owner/Publisher Richard Budman (top center) and his wife, Signal Vice President of Operations Chris Budman, accept recognition Tuesday from the Santa Clarita City Council honoring the 100th anniversary of the newspaper. PHOTOS BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL
