Spring Break
URI Child Development Center hosts art exchange with youthful creations
Hilary Brady
Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: News
|
URI's Child Development Center held the exchange, which featured a variety of projects designed by the students. The crafts were "open- ended art projects" that students turned into items for trade, said the Child Development Center Director Sue Warford.
The students participated in a variety of activities of their choice, from painting coffee filters, marbleizing paper and beading lanyards. The teachers at the center then helped turn these creative projects into everyday items to exchange with patrons.
For any amount of money, "even a penny," individuals could take home one of the children's creations, Warford said.
The items for exchange included journals, bookmarks, magnets, gift wrap, stationary, pencil holders, play dough, bracelets, keychains, magnets and decorated pencils.
"The children were very involved in the process," Sharon Greenwood, a teacher at the Child Development Center, said. "They independently offer[ed] their work" for exchange.
"We've talked about developing the art exchange as a 'thank you' for donations," Greenwood said.
The children considered their artwork an appreciation for any donation patrons were willing to provide.
The students, ranging from 3 years old to kindergarteners, worked the booth in shifts. After dutifully stacking their jackets on nearby chairs, the children worked in pairs standing behind the booth.
They placed donations in a colorfully decorated coffee cup, thank the customer and oftentimes offer suggestions on art projects to take home. On their off time, they enjoyed snacks, milled about with their teachers and chatted with potential customers.
