Bay School News

Outreach Programs - OpenArts After School November 12 2015, 0 Comments

The Bay School not only provides a place for art enthusiasts to learn new techniques, but it also goes out into the Mathews/Gloucester communities to teach art enrichment programs to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore the arts. The second week each month, we’ll give you a peek into the many educational programs that are powered by grants and other generous donors.     

Every Wednesday, from 3-5pm, the Bay School joins forces with the Mathews Family YMCA to teach the OpenArts After School Program. This special arts session introduces students to a different artist/technique each month and provides a much needed, “art break” for the students that attend. Led by Saraya Cheney, Bay School Outreach Coordinator, and Virginia Coyle, Bay School Teaching Artist, the students are welcome to explore, make messes and create something beautiful.  In past months, the student artists have explored the works of Vincent Van Gogh, George Rodrigue and most recently Roy Lichtenstein. This program has been generously funded by the Richard and Caroline T. Gwathmey Memorial Trust, making it open, and free, to the general public.  Elementary, middle, and home school students here in Mathews are welcome to join the YMCA campers in this art adventure!

 

 

  For more information about this or any of our other outreach programs, please contact us directly via phone or email – 804-725-1278 scheney@bayschool-arts.com.


Welcome, Autumn! October 15 2014, 0 Comments

Wow, September was a busy month here at the Bay School!  With Market Days, the Amazing Raise, and the Fine Art Auction all happening within fewer than 30 days, we were really kept on our toes.  I am welcoming the slower pace of October. There's still lots going on at the Bay School, though, to keep your creative fires burning!

Are you finding inspiration in the peace and beauty of the changing season?  Or the mystique of darker evenings and cooler temperatures?  Fall makes me very aware of color and texture as I see the leaves turn and crisp up, and I want to snuggle into cozy knit and felted winter wear.  Of course yesterday's 80+ degree temperature didn't require even a light scarf, much less my favorite holiday sweater.

Last week in the handbuilding clay class we pressed the texture and pattern of leaves into the pieces we made, and carved around the leaf shapes to create enduring testaments to nature.  It will be fun to glaze them with glossy fall colors.  The adventure inspired me to paint leftover leaves with fabric paint in glittering oranges, golds, and reds, and print them onto a black fabric - that's one of those things I used to do with the kids I taught, but hadn't done for myself in years.  It was a wonderfully contemplative process seeing the veins come to life in vibrant color.  Teen Open Studio always inspires my own creativity as I act like a kid at art.

We have lots of other creative opportunities coming up for kids and adults!  Check out our class schedules - this weekend are exciting fall-inspired kids' classes in making Magical Masks and Spooky Trees.  Next Saturday are adult classes in Kumihimo bracelets and rug hooking.  Come get crafty!