Impressions from a very young artist
Painter Lois Main Templeton has created something extraordinary in the form of her first book for children, “Who Makes The Sun Rise?” Now, talented youngsters in four Indianapolis schools have returned the favor. Their works—paintings by artists as young as three years old—hang alongside Lois’ original paintings in ARTBOX, a cool gallery in the Stutz II building (enter on Senate Ave.—info at www.artboxindy.com).
Templeton and fellow artist Phil O’Malley (who designed “Who Makes The Sun Rise?”) visited four schools and VSA Arts, sharing their book with 225 students and encouraging them to paint their impressions of the story. The results are as varied, kinetic and surprising as the children themselves (see a few examples on my FaceBook page.) Some are vividly expressionist in style; some show what to O’Malley’s expert eye is an uncannily intuitive sense of color. Framed and presented on the walls of the ARTBOX, these works hold their own with those of the pros. Take a look and see for yourself.
Friday, May 8 offers an opportunity to obtain these originals. A silent auction at ARTBOX, from 6-9 p.m., will benefit VSA Arts and the participating schools: St. Mary’s Child Center, St. Philip Neri, Holy Cross, and IPS School 15. In addition, Templeton will auction a single print of each of her original paintings from the book, donating all proceeds.
With a clear link between literacy, creative expression and academic achievement, Templeton and O’Malley have accomplished something very significant in their work with these students. The display of their creations in a professional gallery not only gives the youngsters and their families a point of pride, but allows the community to savor the unbridled joy of their creations. Save the refrigerator for family notes and shopping lists; this art belongs in frames, on walls.
See www.artboxindy.com for info on the show and auction and a video of the collaboration in process.
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