First Documentary Film in the Can

Shooting has concluded on the William S. Hart documentary produced by the first ARTree video class. The group of five teens is now editing the footage in preparation for final delivery. Because of the educational value of the project and the non-profit status of The ARTree (as well as some welcome assistance for the City of Santa Clarita), the filmmakers were able to have the rare opportunity to shoot inside the Hart mansion, location on the grounds of the William S. Hart Park and Museum.

ARTree volunteers Ruben Norte and Ramon Hamilton, both award winning entertainment professionals, provided a level of expertise uncommon in many student productions. The classes continue for another 2 weeks at the Newhall Community Center.

Library Class Shows Colors of Spring

In its third month at the Old Town Newhall Library, The ARTree class found students shaking off the chill of winter and welcoming the arrival of spring. This colorful basket filled with eggs was made with the cleaver use of yarn and glue over two Friday sessions. The students formed the baskets by gluing yarn over an inverted bowl to keep the wet yarn in place while it set. When the yarn was rigid, the bowl was removed and prepared to be filled with the eggs, also created from yarn glued around plain plastic shells. This project, as with the January and February art works, are on display in the lobby at the library.

Classes are open to any child wanting to find new ways to express their creativity on the first and second Fridays of each month until May, 2:00pm to 3:00pm, at the Old Town Newhall Library.

ARTree Meeting:  Classes, Events, a Spcial Guest, and Shoes this Wednesday

At the February ARTree General Meeting you gave us your ideas for spring and summer classes. We gathered these ideas and this month we share our plans for this year’s ARTree classes. Also on the agenda will be news about our participation in the upcoming SENSES, Art Slam! and Earth Arbor Day Festival events.

Guest speaker Melissa Shepherd, an expert on helping individuals and organizations take charge of their activities to gain creative freedom, will be on hand to talk about “FLIPPING THE SWITCH” in learning. A longtime supporter of The ARTree, Ms. Shepherd has brought her ideas on conquering burn-out and gaining creative freedom to groups as diverse as LAPD Psychologists, the Writer’s Guild of America, and the Community Parenting Program in Santa Clarita.

Finally, bring a shoe, or shoes, that can be turned into a unique art piece for next month’s Art Slam! The ARTree shoe project is being done at the special request of the organizers, so jump in with both feet and make a real fashion statement.

The ARTree General Meeting is Wednesday, March 20, 6:30pm at the Old Town Newhall Library.

Spring Classes Receive Overwhelming Response

The response to The ARTree spring classes at the SCSC Activities Center was over the top. All 14 spots are taken with a number of students on a waiting list for potential openings. Designed for students 8 to 12 years of age, the classes will be held on six consecutive Thursdays from April 11 to May 16, at 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. The class will be conduced under The ARTree’s popular “art sampler” format, which incorporates lessons in water color, collage, sculpture, music, dance, and storytelling.

As with past ARTree learning programs, the last session will include a celebration where parents are invited to view the completed works from the entire series of classes. There are still openings for assistants to participate in this year’s classes. Contact Dianne Foderaro for information on how you can be part of this spring experience.

Masks and masquerade will be the order of the evening at the ARTree booth during Thursday’s SENSES on Main Street. ARTree volunteers will assist visitors of all ages in making their own decorative masks with supplies provided by The ARTree.

This Thursday is the return of The ARTree to this popular and lively event that offers a different theme every month. Join us from 7pm to 10pm on the South end of Main Street to express your own creativity.