Fine Art Inspires Foster KidsAs a Visual Merchandiser at Nordstrom’s in Arcadia, Melissa Hogan spends her days creating beautiful window displays and arranging fashion shows. As an experienced artist, her goal was to help children learn about artists and to appreciate fine art. “I wanted to volunteer to step outside of myself and my world and share my passions with others,” Melissa said. “I like it because we’re not always working on the same thing. My favorite piece is the flowers that I made. We learned about Van Gogh who did the big brush strokes. He put so much emotion into his art.” – Rachel, 12 years-old Special thanks to the sponsors of our Take heArt program: |
Click here to learn about our "Create A Mural Now" workshops, where youth work as a team to design and create a mural. The theme can fit your needs. Each project culminates with a party and gift bags for all participants.
We matched Melissa close to her home in Glendora by referring her to Five Acres, a large group home in Altadena for around 80 children who are abused, neglected, abandoned and orphaned. Melissa has been teaching a group of children ages 9-12 about famous artists.
Afterwards, Melissa guides them through different projects so they can develop their own artistic skills. Sometimes they draw and do simple exercises, like shading boxes in a grid with a pencil to learn how to control the intensity of the markings. She used paper bags and pastels to teach them how prehistoric artists painted in caves. The kids have made still-life drawings and painted beautiful pictures.
Melissa said, “What I love the most about teaching art is seeing how unique each student is with their insights and the personal twists they add to each project. Volunteering is something I have wanted to do for a while, but felt I didn't have the time or energy to make it happen. I have found, though, that with each lesson I plan and teach, I am filled with double the energy and excitement. In turn my work week goes better and I am actually more relaxed.”