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WHAM offers art classes for teens at library

BY LAURA LATZKO Peoria Times Contributing Writer

The What’s Happening Art Movement is allowing young artists to channel their inner Picasso through classes at Sunrise Mountain Library.

WHAM will offer a recycled rain stick activity on Monday, Nov. 15, and a tie-dye class on Monday, Dec. 20, as part of the Downtown Teen Art Night. The free classes are offered for up to 20 teenagers as part of a grant from the Peoria Arts Commission.

The classes recently moved to Sunrise Mountain Library from the Peoria Main Library, which is under renovation.

Heather Young, WHAM’s gift shop coordinator, has taught the library classes for the last three years.

A muralist, acrylic painter and jeweler who also has an interior design background, Young recycles items for her projects.

“I really enjoy turning trash into treasure,” Young said.

The recycled rain sticks will be made from tubes given to her by a friend, who does drapery and fabric. Young has her own method for making the rain sticks, which can be used as instruments or for relaxation.

“I pound nails into them into a spiral all the way around. And then you add rice on the inside and cap the ends, and you get a similar sound to the rain stick,” Young said.

Young is going to start the sticks for the teens and then allow them to add the rice and decorations.

“I’m going to show them a technique of decoupaging tissue paper on it to add texture, and then we will paint it with acrylic paint and have fun with it,” Young said.

Young hopes the project will inspire teens to create art on their own.

“It’s something they can do at home. It’s just teaching them to look at things differently,” Young said.

For the December class, the teens will tie-dye T-shirts and make necklaces from fabric. Classes change monthly. In the past, WHAM has offered acrylic dirty pour, Picasso portrait and paper lantern classes.

Often with the classes, Young finds crafts that teens can finish in one session. For the acrylic pour, for example, she

During What’s Happening Art Movement art classes, teens can take part in art projects such as tie-dyeing. (Photos courtesy of Heath-

er Young)

WHAM FROM PAGE 23 used baking tins with lids and canvases that fit inside them.

“As an artist, it’s a lot of thinking outside of the box,” Young said. “We want the art to be enjoyable for everybody.”

The projects are designed for teens with different skill levels, including young people with special needs.

The classes attract teens who are already interested in art, although Young sees a range of beginners to more advanced artists. During the classes, Young and her assistants — other artists from WHAM — assist the teens with their projects.

Some students will get a chance to teach and inspire others.

“If the more advanced students are done with their work, I encourage them to help their peers,” Young said.

Young is often surprised by the students’ ideas for their projects.

During a past class where students were making mandalas using old records, one teen was inspired to create a pizza design. A mandala is a geometric design or pattern that represents the cosmos or deities in various heavenly world. In ancient Sanskrit language of Hinduism and Buddhism, it means “circle.”

“I think that’s why I do it. I get excited about that,” she said about the students’ creativity.

“Sometimes, they teach me just as much as I teach them because they have a different take on what they are doing.”

Teens who want to explore their art further can join the teen program art club at WHAM, which meets monthly.

Available to teens 13 to 18, TeenWHAM charges due of $30 annually and includes access to art classes, demonstrations, chances to be mentored by professional artists and community service opportunities.

What’s Happening Art Movement art class participants created flowers out of recycled items. (Photo courtesy of Heather Young)

Downtown Teen Art Night

WHEN: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays Nov. 15 and Dec. 20 WHERE: Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria COST: Free; registration required INFO: 623-773-8650

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