Northeast News
Sept. 13, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Children in kindergarten through eighth grade are encouraged to tap their creative energies and create masterpieces this fall.

During the Westport Center for the Arts’ “Kids Team Up for Art” at the area Kansas City Public Libraries, participants will focus on both individual skill building and the completion of a group project during the session under the guidance of professional artists. Libraries hosting the event include the North-East, Plaza, Lucile H. Bluford, Southeast and Waldo branches of the Kansas City Public Library.

The North-East Library, 6000 Wilson Road, will host the workshops on Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20. All workshops will be held from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for working with paint, glue and other hands-on materials. Parent or guardians with children eight-years-old or younger must attend the session. In the past, young participating artists have cooperatively completed works of art such as totem poles, mosaics and towering sculptures using recycled and donated materials. Each library session will differ from the others, so children can attend all and enjoy something new at each. Enrollment is free.

Since 2012, Kids Team Up for Art has grown from periodic workshops to five monthly workshops led by talented local artists. Financial assistance for this project has been provided by the Kansas City Public Library, ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council, and the Francis Family Foundation. Westport Center for the Arts was founded in 2006 to support community artists and the arts. In addition to Kids Team Up for Art, WCA presents Readers’ Theater, the Brown Bag Concert series and other special programs.

Kids Team Up for Art workshops will be at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street, on Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 6. Workshops will be held at the Southeast Branch, 6242 Swope Parkway, on Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20. Artists will present workshops at the Waldo Branch, 201 East 75th Street, on Oct. 25, Nov. 22 and Dec. 20. Workshops will be held at the L.H. Bluford Branch, 3050 Prospect, on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13.