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Learning to slow down, because life's too short ~ ~ ~

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What I do on Friday afternoons

06.22.2018 by Barbara Grant //

Those last few hours leading into the weekend are my favorite. That’s when I spend time facilitating a Memories in the Making* class. We may begin with a bit of anxiety, “But I’m not an artists!” is the most common lament. My job is to get my friends to relax and play with the paint. Our time together ends with satisfying accomplishments and, most importantly, shared memories.

This is one of my favorites, purchased at one of the exhibit fundraisers. The artist who painted this “Apple in the Sky” is famous for claiming she is not an artist and can’t do this…but then at the end of class announcing that her paintings should be hung in the Whitehouse!

*More can be learned about the Memories in the Making program by Googling it (delightful photos and videos will pop up) or by looking up the Alzheimers Association. Here’s a good site to explore: Memories in the Making program

Categories // Art for worthy causes

2016 American Scores

10.22.2016 by Barbara Grant //

Star
Star

Inspired by a poem entitled “Star” by a 10 year old poet/soccer player.*

Star

I wish I was a start

to be high in the sky

shining down on you

as you say goodnight.

*See http\://www.americascoresmke.org/information-for-artists.html for more information about this awesome program for kids!

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Categories // Art for worthy causes

Poetry + Soccer = America SCORES

03.18.2013 by Barbara Grant //

America SCORES* put out a call for art-making to the Milwaukee community: an invitation to choose a poem composed by one of the children in its program and create a work of art inspired by that poem.  I participated because it is a wonderful program for kids.  I love the balance between the mind and body – the physical challenge of the athlete and the mental exercise of the poet.

I chose the poem “Today My Name Is” by Ulysses G. (age 10), because it tugs at my heart.  His words express the pain of growing up and his will to make good choices.  To me, climbing trees represents moving to higher ground for a better view of life. I inscribed the poem around the edges and borders of this 14″ x 14″ oil painting:

Remember to Climb Trees

Today My Name Is

Today my name is Hurt
I feel like I just fell from a motorcycle
Going 200 mph

I pretend I broke
All the bones in my body

Yesterday my name was Fun
I heard kids shouting with excitement
I found a ramp and a skateboard

Tomorrow my name will be Energetic
I will forget how to be lazy like my brother
I will remember how to climb trees

*The artworks were auction off in a fundraiser so this important work can continue for Milwaukee’s urban youth. America SCORES partners with urban schools to provide a high quality, team-based program that integrates soccer, poetry and service-learning. Here’s more about their program: http://www.americascoresmke.org/

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Categories // Art for worthy causes

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