City Kids

A Success Story

2009-06-19T00:20:00.000-07:00

The City Kids Art Factory has served several families over the years. To many, the Art Factory has provided a safe haven and opportunity. The Lane Family (pictured below) has been coming to the Art Factory for many years. They credit the Art Factory with providing a life change and above all giving them a special place to feel nurtured. As a child, Maurice Lane was diagnosed with Autism. Despite that, he has proven himself nothing short of remarkable. Maurice has excelled at the Art Factory, especially when it comes to drawing and building things. We congratulate Maurice on his recent graduation from high school and wish him all the best!

City Kids Exhibits for the Ritz Chamber Players

2009-06-19T00:03:00.000-07:00

City Kids was recently invited to exhibit at the Season Finale for the Ritz Chamber Players. The event was a great success, and the night concluded with a silent auction. Many thanks to those who purchased artwork.

Jerome Robinson beside his painting "Freedom March"

City Kids Participates in Downtown Art Walk

2008-10-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

City Kids Big Summer Exhibit

2008-10-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

To end the summer 2008 session, we had a huge art exhibit at our studio on Myrtle Ave. It was a huge success; students, parents and many in the community came to show their support. Students received great award packages, and everyone enjoyed a cool program and tons of delicious food (thanks to our generous sponsors). The next day (Sunday), we even had a feature in the Florida Times Union.

Wayne Thiebaud

2008-08-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

Students were introduced to acclaimed artist Wayne Thiebaud, who paints cakes, candy... anything sweet! Two still life tables were set up in the art factory. Each table had an array of cakes, cupcakes, doughnuts, cookies and cherries that the students observed and painted.

Time to dance!

2008-08-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Guest artist Andrew Phillips, gave a workshop on dance movements that were closely associated with street art. The campers had lots of fun watching Mr. Phillips perform and even dancing themselves!

Street Art

2008-08-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Students were introduced to Urban art, and popular graffiti artist Basquiat. Working in his random and playful style, campers created their own Basquiat inspired pieces (using acrylics, chalk, spray paint and paint markers). In the style of graffiti artists, students also chose a fictitious name or "tag name" for themselves (to sign their work with). Afterwards, we had a group critique and students were able to discuss their work.

Campers design a logo

2008-08-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

After a discussion and workshop on logos with the guest artist, students created their own for the City Kids Art Factory. These are just a few that we have to choose from!

Guest Artist Comes to City Kids

2008-08-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Atlanta based artist, Andrew Phillips, came to visit City Kids as a guest artist. Phillips is an illustrator, photographer, and even a professional dancer. He shared a wealth of knowledge with the campers, and led workshops on logos, watercolor paint application, and much more.

Last Day of Unit 1

2008-07-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

This week was all about exploring media other than traditional paint and drawing materials. To end the week, campers were treated to a special breakfast. They were they then introduced to popular Brazillian artist Vik Muniz. He is amazing, because he draws photorealistic images with unorthodox materials ranging from chocolate syrup to diamonds. His final product is simply a photograph of what he has created. After students were shown examples of Muniz's work they created their own drawings using only syrup. Afterwards, they were each able to take a digital photograph of their creation. For the second part of the project, students utilized the park to create another drawing using items such as sticks, soil and leaves.

Zoo Fieldtrip

2008-07-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today, City Kids took a fieldtrip to the Jacksonville Zoo. Students were able to interact closely with many of the animals, including the new Sting Ray Bay exhibit. While at the zoo, students drew animals of their choice.

Student Installation Inspired by Kara Walker

2008-07-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Students followed Kara Walker's process to create their own silhouetted installation. First, they drew their designs on large rolls of paper. Next, they cut out their images, and collaboratively arranged a scenic installation.

UNIT 1 (July 21-25th)

2008-07-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Today, students were introduced to contemporary artist, Kara Walker. She creates large scale installations using only large rolls of cut paper. All of the figures in Walker's work are silhouettes. Students were given a brief biographical sketch of Walker, shown samples of her work, and introduced to the term silhouette.

Summer 2008 At a Glance

2008-07-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the City Kids Art Factory Blogspot. This page was created to share just a little bit of who we are, our inspirations, and our passion for art. The Summer 2008 session has been action packed with several fun activities. Instructor, Traci-Mims Jones introduced campers to the art of Batik, various painting techniques, and creating assemblages. Mrs. Suzanne Pickett helped the students with observational techniques for drawing. The remainding weeks of camp at the Art Factory will be taught by myself (Tiffany Rodriguez) and recorded in this blog. The theme of this unit is Old Masters, Contemporary Artists and Creative Materials. Students will be introduced to artists such as:Yinka Shonibare, Frida Kahlo. and Wayne Thiebaud. In addition, they will be exposed to innovative materials and techniques.