Some of the work we are doing this session is inspired by our grant funded project, Fur-Vor.  Today we gathered around dog books, and we listened to some interesting ideas about dogs:

"They're comical."
"My dog is older than me."
"I bet I have better handwriting than this dog does."
"Scribble scrabble."
What would a dog write about?
"Fire hydrants!"
"Grass.  My dog likes to eat grass."
"Dogs can't speak."
"Maybe they could.  You just can't hear them.  We need better ears."

In our small groups we drew dogs using a view finder the frame our composition.  We also did some found object printing.  Enjoy the pictures!

Dogs have an undeniable presence in the City of Alexandria.  They are frequently seen walking with their owners, playing in one of our city’s many dog parks, drinking from bowls outside businesses, and enjoying treats from shop counters. Numerous businesses in Alexandria cater to the needs of dogs and their owners, and it’s unlikely a day will pass without a resident encountering a dog. Our project explores the roles that dogs play in the City of Alexandria and how they fit into our community. 

Fur-Vor will encourage and enhance artistic engagement with businesses, students, local artists, and the Alexandria community throughout the phases of the project. The project will engage over 500 students enrolled in Alexandria City’s out-of-school programs to introduce them to new artistic media. The project will also engage businesses in Alexandria in a competition to create Fur-Vor art using their own upcycled material. We intend to enlist the assistance from Alexandria-based Torpedo factory artists to create a dog-themed float and costumes for the Scottish Walk, which draws 30,000 visitors to the city each December. Finally, at several community events, including Del Ray's First Thursday, Art on the Avenue, the AWLA Shelter Walk, and Alexandria's Earth Day Celebration, Fur-Vor will engage the public in and provide opportunities for the community to create upcycled art.

This project is funded by generous support from the Alexandria City Commission for the Arts, 2015 Arts Grant program.  As well as the following individuals, businesses and organizations:

TOP DOG
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria


FIDO'S FRIENDS
Baylor Solutions

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME AND YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED!  
FUR-VOR PROJECT PAGE

Our second week of Fun With Junk camp ended with some clever creations as well as some beautiful work.

Our friends worked on sculptures of creatures.  We looked through books for inspiration and drew the animals, looking carefully at the shapes that made their parts.  These drawings became a plan that we referred back to as we sculpted.  

We also did some sewing: paper cards with beads and monogrammed pillows.  We used upholstery samples and scraps of fabric to create letters for the pillows.  We also used a variety of stitches: running, couching, blanket and the French knot.  Our friends were very pleased with their work.

More Fun With Junk

Thanks for sharing your children with us!